Black Birds in the Sky: The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
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Book Brief
224
Book • Nonfiction
Tulsa, Oklahoma • 1920s
•
Race•
Nation•
Race & Racism•
Social Justice2021
Balzer + Bray
YA
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
Black Birds in the Sky by Brandy Colbert recounts the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, detailing the devastating attack on Greenwood, a prosperous Black community known as Black Wall Street. The book explores the historical context of racial inequality, the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, and the systemic efforts to repress the history of the massacre, emphasizing the enduring impact on Black Americans. The book discusses racism, violence, and mentions sexual assault.
Informative
Mysterious
Dark
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
4,375 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Black Birds in the Sky by Brandy Colbert has been praised for its compelling and insightful portrayal of the Tulsa Race Massacre, blending historical analysis with personal narrative to educate and engage readers. Some critics feel the pacing can lag at times, but overall, it is lauded as an essential, thought-provoking read that brings lesser-known history to light.
Who Should Read Black Birds in the Sky?
Readers who enjoy immersive, historical examinations of racial injustice would find Black Birds in the Sky compelling. Comparable to fans of The 1619 Project and Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, it appeals to those seeking to understand the Tulsa Race Massacre's context and legacy through a narrative lens.
4,375 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A 19-year-old Black shoe shiner whose false accusation of attempted rape sparked the events leading to the Tulsa Race Massacre.
The cofounder of the Greenwood District, who set out to create a thriving community for Black Americans and moved away after the massacre.
A well-respected physician and surgeon in Greenwood, whose contributions to the community were tragically cut short during the massacre.
An attorney who moved to Greenwood in 1921 and documented the massacre through his vivid and emotional writing, leaving a lasting legacy.
A survivor of the massacre and early historian, who chronicled the events through her own memories and testimonies from other survivors.
224
Book • Nonfiction
Tulsa, Oklahoma • 1920s
•
Race•
Nation•
Race & Racism•
Social Justice2021
Balzer + Bray
YA
14-18 years
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