Reviews
Black Birds in the Sky: The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre by Brandy Colbert
leahjanespeare's review against another edition
emotional
informative
medium-paced
5.0
It will surprise nobody that I did not know of the Tulsa Race Massacre until its 100th year anniversary a couple years ago. The story starts by introducing the Indigenous people of the area and many important points in Oklahoma history, showing how everything is connected, and therefore providing plenty of context leading up to what happened. It is a very accessible primer and having finished it, I now want to continue my learning by reading more and making sure this vital part of history is not lost.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Violence, and Death
allissa125's review against another edition
3.0
First and foremost, the information in this book is important and well researched.
However.. most of this book is about the expansion of America and the negative impacts on Native Americans, the history of slavery, and many other issues. IMPORTANT. All of it. To title a book as this one is, I would have expected more on the Tulsa Massacre..
It reads like a history text which is what it is.. the dates skip back based on the line of history being discussed which made it a little confusing at times. There is SO. Much. In. This. Book.
I *do feel as if I learned from this and hopefully that I have a better understanding.
However.. most of this book is about the expansion of America and the negative impacts on Native Americans, the history of slavery, and many other issues. IMPORTANT. All of it. To title a book as this one is, I would have expected more on the Tulsa Massacre..
It reads like a history text which is what it is.. the dates skip back based on the line of history being discussed which made it a little confusing at times. There is SO. Much. In. This. Book.
I *do feel as if I learned from this and hopefully that I have a better understanding.
juanitamfm's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
5.0
This is a great YA book about what happened to Black Wall Street, including all the events that led up to it and how the area was founded and built on racism.
annebennett1957's review against another edition
4.0
This book tried to do an awful lot in its pages which made the reading reading experience overwhelming at times. it is as if Colbert tried to make up for all the gaps in American recorded history in one volume. I found myself most interested in the last two chapters: The Legacy of Greenwood and the Afterward.
https://headfullofbooks.blogspot.com/2021/11/nonfiction-review-black-birds-in-sky.html
https://headfullofbooks.blogspot.com/2021/11/nonfiction-review-black-birds-in-sky.html