From the classroom to his own newsroom – Nehemiah Frank, The Black Wall Street Times

Welcome to Tulsa Talks presented by Tulsa Regional Chamber. I’m your host Tim Landes. My guest on this episode is Nehemiah Frank, publisher of The Black Wall Street Times. 

Nehemiah started the digital news site as a side hustle three years ago while working as a middle school educator. Due to the success of his media business, Nehemiah stepped away from the classroom, but I was still interested to hear his thoughts on how the school year is starting in various ways across the city and area.  

From there, we discuss in a phone interview recorded on Aug. 11, why he got into journalism as he reflects on the growth of Black Wall Street Times and how he’s still learning how to be a journalist. With his rise comes the haters. He’s received racist messages, including a recent threatening voicemail. He shares what he felt when he listened to the message. 

Nehemiah was one of the organizers of this summer’s Juneteenth celebration. It occurred the weekend of President Donald Trump’s controversial campaign rally at the BOK Center, and it capped weeks of major protesting in Tulsa. We discuss the impacts of protesting and the special moments it created for him, like publishing an inaugural issue of Black Wall Street Times. 

In less than a week, on Aug. 25, Tulsans will go to the polls to vote for mayor. Nehemiah shares his thoughts on contender Greg Robinson, who was one of the major figures to rise out of the protests and take the next step. Nehemiah also reflects on the last four years under incumbent G.T. Bynum, and what he hopes to see no matter who wins the election.

We bring it all full circle toward the end of the conversation when we discuss the importance of educating children about race, starting an early age. 

Then we close on a lighter note as he shares what he loves and misses about Tulsa.

Following my conversation with Nehemiah, our music writer/Voice digital editor Kyra Bruce shares the single “Wash Behind Your Ears” from Noah Beal, who is branching out on his own after his time with popular band The Lukewarm. 

Let’s get this going. 

This is Tulsa Talks.