Black Birds in the Sky

The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

By: Brandy Colbert

Narrated by: Brandy Colbert, Kristyl Dawn Tift

A searing new work of nonfiction from award-winning author Brandy Colbert about the history and legacy of one of the most deadly and destructive acts of racial violence in American history: the Tulsa Race Massacre.

YALSA Honor Award for Excellence in Nonfiction

In the early morning of June 1, 1921, a White mob marched across the train tracks in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and into its predominantly Black Greenwood District - a thriving, affluent neighborhood known as America's Black Wall Street. They brought with them firearms, gasoline, and explosives.

In a few short hours, they'd razed 35 square blocks to the ground, leaving hundreds dead. The Tulsa Race Massacre is one of the most devastating acts of racial violence in US history. But how did it come to pass? What exactly happened? And why are the events unknown to so many of us today?

These are the questions that award-winning author Brandy Colbert seeks to answer in this unflinching nonfiction account of the Tulsa Race Massacre. In examining the tension that was brought to a boil by many factors - White resentment of Black economic and political advancement, the resurgence of white supremacist groups, the tone and perspective of the media, and more - a portrait is drawn of an event singular in its devastation, but not in its kind. It is part of a legacy of White violence that can be traced from our country's earliest days through Reconstruction, the civil rights movement in the mid-20th century, and the fight for justice and accountability Black Americans still face today.

The Tulsa Race Massacre has long failed to fit into the story Americans like to tell themselves about the history of their country. This book, ambitious and intimate in turn, explores the ways in which the story of the Tulsa Race Massacre is the story of America - and by showing us who we are, points to a way forward.

©2021 Brandy Colbert (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

Historical Document Expands Beyond Tulsa

This book reads more like a collection of history papers that give a wide view of racial injustice. It widens the lens far beyond Tulsa. The information is critically important but the narration was sometimes difficult to listen to someone read a string of articles one after another. If you are not aware of our true American history this is a good book to read.

I wish I had been taught this history in school

I was a child of the 80’s and this part of history just wasn’t taught yet. Wonderfully written and a lot of history beyond the massacre was told. The narrator’s voice was calm and soothing and beautiful. I wish that for a story like this, though, se had sounded more powerful and angry.

Heartbreak & Joy - not for the fragile

I struggled to finish this book because there was only so much pain I could intake at one time. But this story and others like it are necessary for generations to learn. It brings perspective to what we see and experience today. I am grateful to Ms. Colbert and her team for exposing the evil of scared, jealous and insecure people because it validates the unexplained and nearly unbelievable times in which we continue to live. Hatred, bitterness, lies and fear is in the fabric of America and only the truth holds any hope of setting us free. Sin must be dealt with to be purged.
It took courage and a controlled anger to write this book, I believe...it's what it took for me to read its entirety. It's what it takes to live black in America every day. I have to have more courage, managed emotions, forgiveness and love of God in me to live side-by-side with the descendants of murderers, thieves, rapists, etc who do not understand that their own mental illness stems from their lack of self worth masked as feigned superiority. It's heartbreaking to learn of this one town whose history is repeated across 50 states every day. Yet it is soothing to learn of my own resilience. And still I rise...

Heartbroken 💔

If I say I loved it then I would have to reconcile in my mind the atrocities that happened to a people based primarily on the color of their skin. So, let's just say that I am proud that someone was called to document our reality. Reading the history of the Tulsa massacre made me weep real tears. Government corruption, white supremacy and then the cover up just made me groan in my spirit. There is so much I want to say, could say but ... and the fact that Paige and Dick just disappeared if you will is suspect? Since 1921 and nobody knows anything? There is so much of our history that has been hidden or buried as if it never happened. That is why it is of the utmost importance to tell our story, write our stories and advocate for truth to be taught in schools. In order for change to occur, we have to operate in truth. The pride comes in that we are a resilient people that continue to rise because no weapon formed ...

Truth can be hard to hear

I started to listen to this and thought “this is too heavy for me to hear while I’m working “ but I kept on.
It is so well written that it flows on and takes you along. The narrators voice is calm and easy to listen to.
I do love history and this is done in depth. Sometime it is confusing but not often. It was well worth my time and I am better informed having read it.

Loved

Written well, narrated well and very educational for those who don't know or choose not to learn.

Wow

Great info about what really happened to Black Wall Street and how even today, 2022. We as Black People are still fighting for Human Rights. A must read. Thank you for writing this book.

Things I didn't know

Despite being a good student in school I never learned what the bases of this book is about. The subject matter is available but sadly not talked about.

Nonfiction Drama

What happens when you combine the south, racism, a black "boy" and a white girl? A violent night of epic proportions. The author covers the event and the factors leading to the massacre with historical accuracy.

excellent

I appreciated the history review, joining the past and present. here are your15 words. okay