Boley, Oklahoma: A Testament to Black Excellence and Self-Determination

In the heart of Okfuskee County, Oklahoma, lies a remarkable town that stands as a

powerful symbol of African American resilience, entrepreneurship, and community

building. Boley, Oklahoma, founded in 1903, represents one of the most significant chapters

in American history—a story of Black excellence that emerged from the ashes of slavery

and flourished despite overwhelming odds.

Today, Boley remains the largest and most well-known of the more than fifty all-Black

towns established in Oklahoma. Of those original fty towns, only thirteen still exist, and

Boley stands proud as a living testament to the vision, determination, and courage of its

founders and residents. This book explores the remarkable journey of Boley from its

founding to its present-day revival, celebrating a community that refused to be dened by

limitation.