Black Wall Street: From Riot to Renaissance in Tulsa's Historic Greenwood District

by Hannibal B. Johnson

Early in the twentieth century, the black community in Tulsa- the "Greenwood District"- became a nationally renowned entrepreneurial center. Frequently referred to as "The Black Wall Street of America," the Greenwood District attracted pioneers from all over America who sought new opportunities and fresh challenges. Legal segregation forced blacks to do business among themselves. The Greenwood district prospered as dollars circulated within the black community. But fear and jealousy swelled in the greater Tulsa community. The alleged assault of a white woman by a black man triggered unprecedented civil unrest. The worst riot in American history, the Tulsa Race Riot pf 1921 destroyed people, property, hopes, and dreams. Hundreds of people died or were injured. Property damage ran into the millions. The Greenwood District burned to the ground. Ever courageous, the Greenwood District pioneers rebuilt and better than ever. By 1942, some 242 businesses called the Greenwood district home. Having experienced decline in the '60s, '70s, and early '80s, the area is now poised for yet another renaissance. Black Wall Street speaks to the triumph of the human spirit.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Race, American History, Social Justice, Education, American

401 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 1998

Reviews

[KK Buchholz · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a school friend of Hannibal B. Johnson's, I expected his usual high quality effort. So, you ask, will this review be an exercise in futility? My response: I was blown away and would give the book a 4.5 if such a rating were to exist. From the moment I began the first paragraph, I had a laser focus on Mr. Johnson's clear, concise and fascinating writing style. Disclosure: I have to motivate myself to read non-fiction.

Not only is the history fully footnoted and documented, but the narrative is easy to follow and drives the reader ahead. Amazing photographs from 1921 show the tragic and devastating race riot that occurred in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Without giving away the story, I believe that "riot" would not be the term we would use today.

After reading this book, my understanding of the Caucasian element of this brutal history has caused me to have a completely different view of race relations. Books by Bryan Stevenson, Colson Whitehead, Jesmyn Ward, and Lawrence Hill began my education; the reality of _Black Wall Street_ has led me into the painful and necessary territory where I neglected to travel until my forties.
Read this book--your heart and your intellect will thank you.

[Monica **can't read fast enough** · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting history that I knew very little about. This was a quick and easily digestible nonfiction read.

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[Laura Hoffman Brauman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Today is the 99th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Riots. In 1920, whites rioted and destroyed the Black business district in Tulsa. Over 1000 homes were destroyed, churches were burned, and businesses were demolished. Private aircraft literally bombed the business district and sowed destruction beyond what was already happening on the ground. While it both is and isn't surprising to me that this happened (we have a horrible history of racial violence), I think what surprised me the most is that I never heard about it. Perhaps if we taught a more comprehensive version of US History, we would have a better understanding of the frustration that exists in society today. On to the book -- I appreciated that the author not only told about the riot, he also told the story of the regeneration after the riot, the decline in the 50's and 60's, and then the focus on the cultural renaissance that occurred more recently. If you are a music fan, there is quite a bit in here about the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame as well.

[Rae Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been saying for a while that it was just awful I went to school in Oklahoma and I didn't know much about Black Wall Street's history. So when I found this book at a resale shop I bought it. Not only did I walk away with a better understanding and appreciation for the Greenwood District this book is written so that I feel like I met the people who lived and thrived in that area. Next up I am going to go visit the Greenwood cultural center!!! We should learn to be tourist in our own cities sometimes!!

[Oraynab Jwayyed · Rating 5 out of 5]

On May 30, 1921, 19-year-old Dick Roland entered the elevator within the Drexel Building in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to use the restroom on the top floor. As the elevator moved its way up, it lurched, and the Black teen accidentally lunged toward the operator, 16-year-old Sarah Page, a White orphan. The girl screamed and a White store clerk came to her aid. Terrified for his security, Roland fled the scene. This innocent encounter between two teens in the midst of a brutal segregation was to set the stage for what is to be still considered the largest race “riot” in the nation’s history.

Nearly a century later, the Tulsa Race Massacre, as it is now known, is one of the most mysterious uprisings to occur during the Jim Crow period. That’s because the event had remained a local secret until the late 1990’s, when the extended families of the Blacks who lost their lives and livelihoods began demanding reparations for their loved ones.

Many of the Blacks who made their way to Tulsa, Oklahoma, were slaves who had accompanied their Native American masters en route through the Trail of Tears. They later earned some freedom through property they either bought from Native Americans or were granted through the government as part of its expulsion settlement.

Tulsa’s Greenwood Community, where the massacre occurred, became known as Black Wall Street over time. It gained this prestigious nomenclature after the former slaves that made their way to Tulsa managed to build a thriving community during segregation, thanks in great part to Tulsa’s oil boom.

Several reasons led to the 1921 race massacre. The racial tensions of the time were the overlying factors, with Blacks having to thrive through fears of White fascism, lynchings, and economic control. Despite these challenges, the Greenwood Community was to eventually hold theaters, hospitals, and robust modern amenities of the time. But this extravagance was to be enjoyed only under the watchful eyes of its racist neighbors, who did whatever they could to control the lives of the segregated Blacks.

What still remains a mystery about the Tulsa massacre is the number of victims who lost their lives during the three-day riot. Official records have settled on 37, although there is evidence that at least 300 people were scorched, shot, or brutally beaten, and damages are estimated as high as $3 million. What’s worse than the confusion in the final tally of deaths and damages, is the evidence that shows the victim, Sarah Page, had not only repeatedly denied allegations of sexual assault, but that she was to later follow Dick Roland out of Tulsa to pursue a relationship with him.

To this day, the Tulsa Race Massacre is still not covered in history books or classrooms. A trip to the refurbished Greenwood Community shows no overt evidence of the massacre, unless you look very carefully or diligently research Tulsa’s history. It’s only now, 18 years into the 21st century, that the incident is receiving the exposure it deserves. Turns out, the book is a hidden gem, dug up from the library archives 20 years after it was first published.

True to the incident itself, the author’s profile is also a mystery, until I looked very carefully and diligently researched his history. Nonetheless, the book is a thorough depiction of the massacre and should be a required read.

[Nehemiah Neo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories that should be told

This book is one of those books, I'll bring up everytime when speaking on black growth. Although it was marred by racism it showed the black community ability to create financial freedom and build sustainable businesses all before desegregation in Greenwood Tulsa Oklahoma. The riot following allegations of misconduct incited a deep seeded racism might have burned the original iteration down (this includes house, businesses and churches) but the history and some of the buildings are still there due to reconstruction or luck. This should show given the opportunity the black community will build and sustain their community.

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to delve deeper into this subject and this book was an excellent introduction! Why is it that when African Americans successful run their own town within a town, and become targets by dominate society? I've heard the argument that "we (African Americans)" should just go! My rebuttal is...Go where? Where is this magically unknown place where African Americans can go and exist without becoming targets?

I recommend this book to anyone who is looking to further their knowledge.

[Angela Glass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book. Full of information and personal accounts of this piece of Tulsa's history. I am so inspired and honored to have this part of my Black history opened up to me. I so enjoyed the various accounts of people through documents that were told in this story. It was so informative and full of much documented information.

[ouidah27 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very of important book about The black community of Oklahoma and how it was destroyed racist citizens of Tulsa Oklahoma.

[Erin Oeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book recounts the story of Tulsa's prosperous Greenwood district - an African American community booming with small businesses and opportunity. The area was completely destroyed by the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921. This book recounts the story of the riot, the utter destruction and the horrific violence that occured, and even more amazing, the sheer determination and resiliency of the people involved to rebuild and thrive against all odds. This book is a disturbing read, an eye-opening look at the bitter racism in one of the worst parts of our history as a country. As I read the accounts, the horrific acts of commission and omission, I was both angry and ashamed at what man can do, even worse what he can do under the guise of morality. This book tells that story, but thankfully doesn't end there. Ultimately, it is a story of hope in the midst of despair, forgiveness in the midst of hate, and integrity in the midst of hypocrisy. The character demonstrated by the Greenwood survivors speaks volumes of the indestructible human spirit and our interdependence on each other.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful history of a tragedy that should be more well know.

[Ellice Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really thorough and insightful reflection on the creation, assault, and renaissance of Black Wall Street.

[Stephen Eisenmenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent a lot of time in Oklahoma in the early 90's, never made it to Tulsa but this history is important and it's hard for me to believe I was so close to it and yet so very far from knowing it.

[IngramSpark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that needs to be told. I recently had the pleasure of visiting Tulsa in person. This book is an invaluable resource for Greenwood, Tulsa, and American history.

[Luke Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannibal Johnson's "Black Wall Street" is an important and informative resource for anyone interested in what has taken place in Tulsa, OK, over the last century and beyond. Tracing the roots of the Greenwood District all the way to its Renaissance in the late 20th century, including the horrific Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921, Johnson explores what made Black Wall Street what it was, and how Greenwood might be regained, if only in part. Ultimately, the destruction of the District in 1921, followed by economic decline in the area and urban renewal--otherwise known as "urban removal"--has left many scars not only in Greenwood, but in much of North Tulsa; to say that this is simply "how it goes," or that it is predominantly because of the poor choices of the individuals in those areas, would be naive and ahistorical. It is important for anyone interested in race relations in the U.S. to take a long and hard look at the happenings in Tulsa's Greenwood District; especially for Tulsans, this book is a must-read.

The book is insightful and historically grounded, but Johnson is also an engaging writer. It is a relatively short work, with about 150 pages of main text, which is followed by 100 pages of appendices. I would greatly appreciate a 2nd edition or revised edition of this work, because in the past 20 years since its writing in 1998, much in Tulsa and in Greenwood has changed and taken place. 2020 is a fitting year to read about the history of Greenwood, but also to ask to seek justice for Greenwood, reparations for the African-American community in Tulsa, and to create a Tulsa that is both just and unified. I strongly encourage people in Tulsa to read this book and to face our dark and painful history. #JusticeForGreenwood

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is Black Wall Street art exhibit still at Tulsa Airport?

JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN RECONCILIATION PARK; HOURS OF OPERATION & LOCATION= MONDAY - SUNDAY 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM; 290 N. Elgin Ave., Tulsa, OK 74120; https://www.jhfcenter.org/reconciliat... Guided tours are available on the following days and times:
Tuesday =9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Thursday = 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
1:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Saturday = 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

"Beautiful, bustling and black...Despite its forboding facade, the Greenwood District rested upon a rickety economic foundation " describes the Greenwood District of Tulsa p 26

"In a matter of hours, ignorance, fear, and hate dimmed the bright lights of hope that had shone for years." p 29

"The real question isn't who is and who isn't a racist, but who is and isn't doing something about it." from Anonymous author on blackboard in Robbins House in Concord MA 09.22.2019

"Throughout the 1830s and '40s, the white entertainer Thomas Dartmouth Rice (1808-1860) performed a popular song-and-dance act supposedly modeled after a slave. He named the character Jim Crow. Rice darkened his face, acted like a buffoon, and spoke with an exaggerated and distorted imitation of African American Vernacular English. In his Jim Crow persona, he also sang "Negro ditties" such as "Jump Jim Crow.
"Minstrel shows were popular musical stage shows from the 1830s to the early 1900s. The performers, their faces artificially blackened, played the roles of ignorant, lazy, joyous blacks. Audiences roared with laughter. Thomas Dartmouth Rice is known as the Father of Minstrelsy." from The Origins of Jim Crow on Ferris.edu

" As one of the most prominent concentrations of African-American businesses in the United States during the early 20th century, it was popularly known as America's "Black Wall Street" until the Tulsa race riot of 1921, in which white residents massacred as many as 300 black residents, injuring hundreds more, and razed the neighborhood within hours. The riot was one of the most devastating massacres in the history of U.S. race relations, destroying the once thriving Greenwood community." from wikipedia

Greenwood was a Black community in Tulsa, but because of "Jim Crow" laws there were rules about "whites only" like for the taxis and not arresting whites for the former deputy marshal pp. 16-17

"African-American professionals, faced with blatant discrimination within their respective fields of expertise, established their own professional associations of teachers, attorneys, doctors, dentists, morticians, and the like." p 19

"At the conclusion of World War I in 1918, economic competition between whites and African-Americans heightened. This enhanced competition, coupled with charges of peonage (i.e., a system of forced servitude to pay off indebtedness that left many African-American farmers in abject poverty), further inflamed latent racial tensions in Tulsa." p 19

"The NAACP, founded in 1909, is a direct response to lynchings." p 20

"The dictionary, to begin with, is a really trite resource to use when arguing complex topics.

You can show me the definition of “plant” if you want to, but that sure as hell doesn’t make you a botanist. Similarly, your dictionary definition of “racism,” for example, doesn’t make you a scholar in sociology.

And I’m not saying that everyone in the social justice movement is a scholar – although, obviously, some of us are – but those of us who have done the hard work to unpack privilege and unlearn socialization are getting our information from the greats – not the dictionary.

The dictionary is not Kimberlé Crenshaw. The dictionary is not Derrick Bell or Patricia J. Williams or Mari Matsuda."
"If you think of it in the form of a hierarchy, you’ll see that yes, all people can experience stereotyping (assumptions that all people in one group are similar), prejudice (dislike toward a group based on those stereotypes), and discrimination (refusing access to resources based on that prejudice). If you think of it in the form of a hierarchy, you’ll see that yes, all people can experience stereotyping (assumptions that all people in one group are similar), prejudice (dislike toward a group based on those stereotypes), and discrimination (refusing access to resources based on that prejudice). See, and that’s why it’s not possible to be sexist against men. Because you can stereotype men. And you can be prejudiced against men. And you can also discriminate against men. And none of that is okay! But oppression – because it is institutionalized and systematic – is another level entirely." from Everyday Feminism.com https://everydayfeminism.com/2015/01/...
[STEREOTYPING>PREJUDICE>DISCRIMINATION>OPPRESSION]

"When violence systematically targets a group of people through genocide, slavery, or colonization, the resulting trauma lasts through generations." FROM EVERYDAY FEMINISM.COM

"Indeed, lawlessness and mob rule spurred Gov. Jack Walton to place Tulsa County under martial law in 1923." p 21

"Tulsa gained a reputation, largely earned, as a wild and wanton Midwest town." p 25

Paul Laurence Dunbar
"Paul Laurence Dunbar was born on June 27, 1872 to freed slaves from Kentucky. He became one of the first influential Black poets in American literature, and was internationally acclaimed for his dialectic verse in collections such as Majors and Minors (1895) and Lyrics of Lowly Life (1896). But the dialectic poems constitute only a small portion of Dunbar’s canon, which is replete with novels, short stories, essays, and many poems in standard English. In its entirety, Dunbar’s literary body is regarded as an impressive representation of Black life in turn-of-the-century America. As Dunbar’s friend James Weldon Johnson noted in the preface to his Book of American Poetry: “Paul Laurence Dunbar stands out as the first poet from the Negro race in the United States to show a combined mastery over poetic material and poetic technique, to reveal innate literary distinction in what he wrote, and to maintain a high level of performance. He was the first to rise to a height from which he could take a perspective view of his own race.,,He died on February 9, 1906, at age thirty-three." from PoetryFoundation.org

How was the bill killed in the US Senate to make lynchings a felony? p 28

REASONS FOR THE MASSACRE: p 30
1. Tulsans lacked confidence in the local police and the city administration because of scant law enforcement and ouster of mayor, police commissioner and police chief.
2. Police strike in 1919;
3. Alcohol, gambling and prostitution were widespread, open & notorious.
4. Hate groups perpetuated despicable acts of mob violence - KKK & Knights of Liberty - which leading citizens participated in, encouraged or condoned this repulsive brand of home-grown vigilantism.
5. Tulsa Star only newspaper to condemn lynching of white teen Roy Belton. The price paid for speed and certainty, however, is sometimes justice.
6. Alleged attack on white girl, Sarah Page, by black teen Dick Rowland destroyed surface calm. He fell against her when elevator lurched. She later recanted accusation.

[Ajay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is relevant now more than ever, 99 years later with the current BLM movement and removal of racist symbols like the Confederate flags and statues. This book is almost an encyclopedia of people and events in the Greenwood District of Tulsa. The author is thorough with references and citations. The author went above and beyond to research for this event. The author really seems to have a deep knowledge of Tulsa and specifically the Greenwood District. I like how the author presents the story in sequences by: The Roots, The Riot, The Regeneration, and The Renaissance. I would refer this book to anyone who has an interest in race relations between black and white Americans, U.S. History in general, or Tulsa, Oklahoma. The timeline of events provides a great depiction of resilience and overcoming a truly abominable event in U.S. history.

[CTEP]

Inspired by the police killing of unarmed Terence Crutcher, I picked up this book to learn more about race relations in Tulsa. My grandparents live in Tulsa. While visiting them about a year ago I saw a short documentary at the Historical Society about the history of the city. It largely focused on the oil barons who helped found Tulsa. Near the end, it quickly mentioned an event simply called “The Tulsa Race Riot.” It was portrayed as an unfortunate event but everything’s cool now. It was pretty obvious that they weren’t telling a fraction of the whole story. That’s because you can’t without addressing the enormous racial divide in Oklahoma.

Tulsa’s Greenwood district was the black neighborhood, partly due to segregation and partly due to the sense of community. When people of color were able to purchase land, they purchased plots near to each other. Though the majority of Greenwood’s residents worked in other parts of Tulsa, they were not able to partake in their goods and services. This quickly led to a thriving business district in Greenwood. This would be called “Black Wall Street.” Residents were forced to invest in their own neighborhood, and it paid off. Within a few years there were hotels, schools, restaurants, and even public transport run by people of color for people of color. The strong sense of community drew in people of color from across the country. Greenwood was a place of promising stability. But this community was rivaled by fierce racial oppression outside Greenwood’s boundaries.

On May 30th 1921, a 19 year old elevator operator and black man, Dick Rowland, bumped into 17 year old Sarah Page when the elevator shook. She screamed and, scared for his own safety, Dick ran. He was soon brought in to the police station. A crowd of white Tulsans were already waiting outside; they wanted his head. Even the local newspaper labeled him a rapist, despite Sarah Page not placing any charges. Several armed black men from Greenwood showed up at the station to protect Dick. Things quickly escalated from there.

By June first, the vast majority of Greenwood was looted and burned to the ground. Hundreds of men, women and children were killed (though only 39 deaths were officially recorded). Most of Greenwood’s residents were left with only what they had on their backs. Since the riot broke out at night, this mostly meant pajamas and nightgowns. To add insult to injury (for lack of a better phrase), the blame fell on Greenwood residents. Mayor, T.D. Evans proclaimed in his official address to “(l)et the blame for this negro uprising lie right where it belongs–on those armed negroes and their followers who started this trouble and who instigated it and any persons who seek to put half the blame on the white people are wrong and should be told so in no uncertain terms.” The city of Tulsa offered devious services to the riot victims in which they would help sell their land. Luckily, the spirit of Greenwood would not be broken. What followed is one of the most awe-inspiring cultural regenerations in history. Greenwood rebuilt, and thanks to the need for military goods during WWII, factories helped to beckon another golden age.

Greenwood now, barely resembles its past self. In the 1960s, Greenwood fell victim to “Urban renewal." What was the heart of downtown Greenwood, is now interstate 244. The businesses that survive today struggle, but there are people who refuse to let history be forgotten. The Greenwood Cultural Center was founded in 1995. The center is for many the only place they can learn about the hardship and joy of Black Tulsa.

The history of Greenwood is significant but there are far too many similar stories. Author Hannibal Johnson obviously holds a lot of hope for Tulsa and the rest of the country. He gives strong emphasis on the successes of the black community over the atrocities committed by white Tulsa. No matter how bad things may be, there’s always a way to move forward.

[WHTTR (Who Has Time To Read?) · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://youtu.be/d8MiPmclivg?si=OJMP0...


🔥 They built wealth. They built community. Then it was taken from them.

Tulsa’s Greenwood District, known as Black Wall Street, was one of the most prosperous Black communities in American history—until it was violently destroyed in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. In Black Wall Street: From Riot to Renaissance, Hannibal B. Johnson uncovers the rise, destruction, and resilience of this thriving district, shedding light on its economic power and cultural significance.

Join our AI hosts, j(AI)n and d(AI)n, as we break down this crucial history, exploring the legacy of Black entrepreneurship, the impact of systemic racism, and the ongoing fight for justice and reparations. What lessons can we learn from Greenwood? And how does its history shape conversations about economic empowerment today? Let’s discuss.

📖 Purchase Black Wall Street on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hB6UHF



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[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The incredible importance of this book overshadows the places in which the author is repetitive or guilty of poor flow. Johnson's writing about the Tulsa Race Riots sheds light on a disturbing, little known event in American history: the systematic destruction of the city's Greenwood District, home to a successful neighborhood of Black businesses and residences. A murderous mob of white men, many associated with the KKK, set fire to the area after a young Black man was accused of "sexually assaulting" a young white woman. Although the police investigated, and the young woman had no desire to press charges for what amounted to grabbing her arm as he tripped, the mere rumor of the a"ssualt" led to a showdown in Tulsa the left many Blacks dead, injured, detained and/or destitute. It is only at the turn of this next century that Greenwood has begun to reover and reclaim its place in history.

[Dylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important story about the historic Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Segregation enabled a growing and successful commercial and cultural area, which came to be labelled “Black Wall Street”, but faced increasing attacks from the Klan. In May, 1921, a young black man, Dick Rowland, was charged with sexual assault on a white woman. A lynch mob assembled outside the courthouse, black men formed a resistance, shots were fired, and Greenwood burned in a race riot which lasted days.

We meet individuals; citizens whose stories have endured, and rebuilt, regenerated and recovered. A thorough and very human telling of a shameful time in American history and race relations.

[Teresa Forsberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tulsa Race Riot of 1921 is something I knew little about until I read a YA book, Dreamland Burning. This is a historical look at the event that took place in the African American section of Tulsa known as the Greenwood district. The riot took place during 16 hours from May 31 into June 1. Lives were lost, homes and businesses were looted and burned, and a multitude of African Americans were displaced. The afterward of the book also gives details of a commission in 2000 that, among other questions, answered whether reparations should be made to victims of the riot. There was so much good information in this book, but it was not always presented in a logical way.

[Donna Schwartz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a good introduction to what happened in Tulsa, especially the first two seconds.
Some of the reports included in the book, which were produced by the white community, were valuable because of the prejudices that they revealed.
Other sections were simply listings of the jazz muscians that lived or played in the Greenwood district and were honored in the Hall of Fame.
The section on Negro churches really showed how important they were to their congregations.
I am beginnin to realize that no one book will be able to cover all the aspects of this tragedy.

[RYCJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed account of what happened in the 'Greenwood District' in Tulsa Oklahoma. The amount and level of research is amazing. Not only is there an account of what led up to the destruction of this once thriving community, and as well as what happened during and after 'the Black Wall Street' burned to the ground, but there is a wealth of information on the financial resources (and businesses) that sustained the community during its growth.

[Katie Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book that educates about the Tulsa, Oklahoma riots - something I knew nothing about. The parallels between then and the times we are living through now are numerous. I enjoyed the stories of the many people who took the time to rebuild, facing so much adversity. Definitely a good use of my time!

[Julianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting read. Even a non historian will find it easy to follow. He paints a living picture of the events. Well documented with an excellent reference section. A must read for history lovers. There are a few parts that feel like a list of names.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A focused history of the Greenwood District in Tulsa, OK. It did a great job of expanding beyond the two day riot, and provided insightful profiles of prominent residents and businesses that defined the area.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m glad I read it to education myself. I don’t have a long stamina for non fiction, which is the 2 stars. There were a lot of names and dates I don’t remember but I do remember the stories that were reported. I have so much history to learn about my own country.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So very interesting, this book tells the story of one of the worst race massacres in US history. Most people have no idea about these events and it was horrifying to read about how people can be so awful to each other.

[Dr. Corey Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story needs to be highlighted and reproduced in every urban city in America. The country is highlighting small business during the pandemic, well lets make sure ALL SB's are resourced and strengthened.