New Jersey is a hub of innovation, culture, and community spirit, where businesses don’t just aim for success but also strive to make a meaningful impact. At Explore New Jersey, we’re always thrilled to spotlight enterprises that embody this commitment, whether through groundbreaking products, historical commemoration, or a dedication to ethical practices.
Discover more about the vibrant business landscape of the Garden State and the companies making a difference by visiting our Explore New Jersey Business section!
A Tribute in Every Step: TULSA Store Honors Greenwood District with New Sneaker
In a powerful blend of fashion, history, and social responsibility, we’re excited to highlight the initiative from TULSA Store, a company with roots right here in New Jersey. TULSA Store recently announced the launch of the Tulsa Sneaker by Finisher Active, a product designed to profoundly commemorate the historic Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Released on Juneteenth, a day of immense historical significance celebrating freedom and emancipation, this sneaker does more than just make a style statement. It serves as a tangible homage to a community once known as Black Wall Street, which, tragically, was devastated during the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The Tulsa Sneaker seeks to actively contribute to ongoing vital conversations about cultural memory, sustainability, and equity in design.
Designed by Eji Benson, the sneaker thoughtfully incorporates visual and material elements that reflect the remarkable historical resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of Greenwood. Among its distinctive features is a digitally re-created 1920s newsprint motif, directly referencing African-American newspapers that were lost in the devastating fires that engulfed the district. This unique design choice aims to offer wearers a tactile and symbolic connection to a significant, yet often overlooked, chapter in American history.
In a continued effort to align product development with environmental stewardship, the sneaker is also constructed using innovative lionfish leather. Lionfish, an invasive species that threatens delicate coral reef ecosystems, is transformed into a sustainable material by INVERSA™. This regenerative design approach beautifully links environmental sustainability with cutting-edge fashion innovation.
As part of its broader mission, TULSA Store has pledged a significant 10% of all proceeds from the Tulsa Sneaker to the Greenwood Cultural Center. This vital non-profit organization is passionately committed to preserving the heritage and contributions of Tulsa’s African-American community, serving as a key site of education and remembrance in the historic Greenwood District. This initiative, which also marks the debut product on TheBizio™ Fashion Marketplace – notably the only Black-owned enterprise cloud platform powered by generative AI – exemplifies a powerful narrative rooted in both reflection on the past and forward momentum towards a more equitable future. Through the Tulsa Sneaker, TULSA Store significantly contributes to a larger dialogue around historical recognition, ethical design, and community-centered impact.
New Jersey’s Commitment to Black-Owned Businesses and Juneteenth
The spirit of Juneteenth, as powerfully expressed by TULSA Store, resonates deeply across New Jersey. Our state has been actively fostering environments where Black-owned businesses can thrive and where the legacy of Black entrepreneurship is celebrated.
Just recently, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) proudly hosted the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s (AACNJ) third annual Juneteenth Black Business Expo. Governor Phil Murphy himself was in attendance, reaffirming New Jersey’s commitment to building a “stronger, fairer, and more equitable state” where every New Jerseyan has the opportunity to “rise and thrive.” This year’s Expo, themed “Resilience is Our Heritage,” showcased over 50 corporations, Black-owned businesses, community partners, and state agencies, emphasizing economic empowerment and honoring the spirit of places like Black Wall Street.
Beyond official events, communities across New Jersey hosted vibrant Juneteenth celebrations, featuring local Black-owned businesses, cultural marketplaces, food, live music, and art. From the Juneteenth Festival in Union Township with its array of food, fashion, and craft vendors, to Mercer County’s Black-Owned Business Marketplace, these events provide crucial platforms for economic growth and cultural celebration. Cities like Summit, New Brunswick, and Newark also held their own unique events, highlighting everything from flag-raising ceremonies and musical performances to Black business crawls and historical tours.
New Jersey is home to a diverse and thriving landscape of Black-owned businesses, ranging from innovative tech companies and marketing firms to beloved local eateries, beauty salons, and unique retail shops. Initiatives and resources are continually being developed to support these enterprises, fostering a robust and inclusive economic ecosystem across the Garden State.
At Explore New Jersey, we believe in highlighting the businesses that not only contribute to our state’s economy but also enrich its social and cultural fabric. The commitment to historical remembrance, sustainable practices, and community empowerment, as exemplified by TULSA Store and countless other local businesses, is a testament to the Garden State’s progressive spirit. We encourage you to support these impactful businesses and explore the rich history they help to preserve and build upon.
