Tribal Justice

The Struggle for Black Rights on Native Land

By: Allison Herrera, Adreanna Rodriguez

Narrated by: Allison Herrera

Length: 1 hr and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Imagine being a citizen of a nation and not being allowed to have your case heard in that nation’s courts—because of your race. This is happening now, in Oklahoma, to a group of Black citizens of the Cherokee Nation. They’re called Freedmen, and Michael Hill is one of them.

On September 26, 2020, Michael was in a great mood. He’d recently returned home to Oklahoma after years in the military. He’d bought a house and had a job teaching and coaching basketball at the local high school.

But that night, Michael’s life would turn upside down. Around two o’clock in the morning, he heard people banging on the doors and windows of his home. He called 911 for help.

This is the story of what happened next, and why. To understand it, we have to go back to the Trail of Tears that the Five Tribes were forced to walk. To the enslaved Africans those tribes brought with them on that trail, who became Freedmen after the Civil War. To the 2020 US Supreme Court ruling that Oklahoma had illegally claimed more than three million acres of tribal land. And to what the restoration of that land has meant for policing and the courts.

Tribal Justice is essential storytelling that brings a new lens to understandings of race, sovereignty, power, and belonging.

This documentary is part of the Audible Podcast Development Program.

©2024 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2024 Audible Originals, LLC.

When will the US government stop supporting racism?

I liked that the victim was able to tell his story and show that this is current and relevant.

Sad but Common Theme

Unfortunate circumstances that our minorities encounter every day and there’s not enough support for them in the justice system to fight against the majority.

National Spotlight on Indigenous Affairs in Oklahoma

I have followed Ms. Herrera's Indigenous Affairs reporting on KOSU for several years. I am happy to see her work available on an additional platform.

Too few Americans are aware of the history of the Freedmen, the impact of the McGirt decision or the combative stance of state government in relation to the tribes. This documentary is a good introduction to the complexities of daily life in Oklahoma.

The next great battleground for Native America and Racial Justice

Perfect combination of investigative journalism and storytelling. The history of the governments treatment of Native Americans and African Americans each have there tragic and horrendous histories. This story brings those two together in the shadow of the U.S. Supreme Court’s opinion in McGirt v. Oklahoma.

We need more of these works and readings

If you are interested in the true history that formed the politics and laws of today this is a must read. A true analysis of Oklahoma’s corrupt legal systems.