Allensworth the Board Game Coming Soon!
We have an exciting announcement and a quick Black Study Snack for you. In 2017, I created Black Wall Street The Board Game as a way to help families, students, and educators learn about the story and economic brilliance of Tulsa’s Black Wall Street in a way that was interactive and educational. Since then, thanks to the support from community members like you, we have taught over 10,000 people the history of Greenwood. Today, that same passion for teaching history through games has inspired our latest project about a historic California Black Town most people have never heard of.
Allensworth was co-founded in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth, a formerly enslaved man, Union Army chaplain, and visionary leader. After enduring the brutality of bondage and rising to be the highest-ranking African American Military Officer, Allensworth made a bold decision to retire in California and build a community where Black people live free. He and his co-founders secured 720 acres in Tulare County, California. Inspired by Tuskegee, an HBCU in Alabama led by Booker T. Washington, Colonel Allensworth wanted to build the Tuskegee of the West.
Allensworth had some notable accomplishments in its short time. It established the first Black School District in California and was the first town fully governed and funded by African American investors. And this was all accomplished from 1908 - 1914. Imagine what would have happened if they had the opportunity to continue to build. How different would California look today?
That’s why we are excited to announce our next project, Allensworth The Board Game, which is an economic simulation that blends storytelling, strategy, and education. Players will step into the roles of community builders, taking control of 180 acres of land while navigating opportunities and obstacles. Players will each manage and develop their own plot of land, utilizing the natural resources on their land. The first player to recruit and sustain a population of 100 people will win the game.
Our game testers have said they like the Allensworth board game more than Black Wall Street the Board Game because of the strategy involved and unique game mechanics. This game is about a different Black Wall Street community and has completely different game mechanics. So make sure you secure your spot on the waitlist for the new game!
We visited the Allensworth State Historic Park and had the opportunity to learn more about the history and walk into some of the historic structures. We visited the library, general store, Allensworth hotel, and even Colonel Allensworth's home! As Director of Curriculum Development for Play Black Wall Street, I’m honored to offer another tool that brings powerful history to life. We believe history hides lessons in plain sight. Through gameplay, we will remember, relearn, and rebuild Black Wall Streets.
Allensworth the board game is coming early 2026! Join the waitlist and you will be the first to know when the games are available.