Hall-Harper is the registered agent for the economic arm of the Black Wall Street Chamber, which wants to purchase the former library for $1.4 million.
Author Archives: Ismael Lele
Ismael Lele is the business reporter at The Oklahoma Eagle. He is a Report for America corps member. Ismael has been reporting since he was in high school, where he channeled his interest for writing into the school newspaper. While at the University of Oklahoma, he wrote for the OU Daily as a sports and city reporter and, finally, as a news editor. Ismael found his passion for community journalism while attending city council meetings in Norman. He went on to spend a summer in Phoenix, Arizona as a Carnegie Knight News 21 fellow and researched the state of American democracy. Before joining The Oklahoma Eagle, he interned at The Tulsa World. Now, his reporting highlights Tulsa’s Black community and the north Tulsa area.
Posted inFood
A decade in, Kitchen 66 serves as catalyst for transforming Tulsa’s food scene
Created by the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation in 2016, the program has helped aspiring food entrepreneurs turn their ideas into fully fleshed-out businesses.
Posted inSports
Oklahoma City Thunder foundation brings new technology to Tulsa Dream Center
The new “Wonder Room” gives north Tulsa students access to 3D printing and space to study, read and play.
Posted inGovernment
Stitt says he has no interest in running for Senate, touting accomplishments as governor
Gov. Kevin Stitt made a tour stop in Tulsa as he prepares to leave office next year. He’s worried his successor will “blow through” the savings he’s amassed.
Posted inGovernment
Tulsa unveils plans to open $16M low-barrier homeless shelter in December
Tulsa County’s former juvenile detention center will be renovated into The Harbor, a shelter that can sleep 180 people.
Posted inSports
Tulsa Golden Hurricane shine in first NIT appearance in a decade
The University of Tulsa is making a deep run into the tournament, advancing to the quarterfinals against Wichita State Tuesday.
Posted inHealth
‘Just pray about it’: Black Tulsans move to break social stigma surrounding mental health
Black Americans have often turned to churches and faith leaders for mental health support. These Tulsans are encouraging their peers to consider other treatment options, too.
Posted inHealth
New avenues are opening for Black Tulsans to seek mental health treatment
Tulsa companies and counselors are creating spaces for Black clients to discover a safe space and work through mental health challenges.
Posted inNorth Tulsa
After controversy, Black Wall Street Chamber chairman says group is ready to relaunch
Former chamber leaders have levied accusations of financial mismanagement and disengagement. Now, the Tulsa business group is preparing for a relaunch.
Posted inHealth
Tulsa’s allergy season is getting shorter, but more intense
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s 2026 report found Tulsa the third-most challenging city to live in for people with a pollen allergy.
Posted inBusiness
Oasis to open Tulsa’s first downtown grocery store in a decade
Folks Urban Market closed in 2014 after only seven months of operation. The downtown area has been without a grocer since.
Posted inBusiness
Tulsa City Council could spend $2.5M on incentives to attract Oklahoma’s first IKEA
Construction on the state’s first IKEA is set to begin in April, with the Tulsa Hills store expected to open in November before the holiday season.