If you never knew that Tulsa, Oklahoma experienced racial strife, then you need to read Scott Ellsworth’s book, Death in a Promised Land: The Tulsa Race Riot of 1921. Ellsworth provides details about the racial tension between black and white Tulsans, which eventually led to the 1921 riot. But before this infamous upheaval, Tulsa’s black community was extremely successful. This is evident as there was not one but two churches that served this population: “Vernon African American Methodist Episcopal Church and Macedonia Baptist Church” (Ellsworth 12). Moreover, Black Tulsa, as it was known, had prominent citizens and successful businesses. Black Tulsa was rapidly growing, “and by 1921, there were almost 11,000 blacks and the community counted two black schools, Dunbar and Booker T. Washington, one black hospital, and two black newspapers, The Tulsa Star and the Oklahoma Sun. Black Tulsa at this time had some thirteen churches and three fraternal lodges–Masonic, Knights of Pythias, and I.O.O.F.–plus two black theaters and a black public library” (Ellsworth 14). Due to this success, Tulsa’s black business district became known as the ‘Negro’s Wall Street'” (Ellsworth 15). Unfortunately, the looming destruction of this thriving community was swiftly approaching. Find out what happened to this once successful district. However, as you read this book, be prepared to experience feelings of disgust, sadness, and anger.

Consisting of only five chapters, this book is not difficult to read. However, it is the content that makes this book challenging to read. Simply put, Ellsworth does not sugar coat this information. In addition, after reading Death in a Promised Land: The Tulsa Race Riot of 1921, I am motivated to learn more about this tempestuous period in Tulsa. Hence, I will read some of Ellsworth’s listed sources that I recorded in my “to be read” list and other published books about this topic. Lastly, remember that it is important to learn about and understand our history so that we, as American citizens, can improve the country in which we live.

A huge thank you to Stace for recommending this topic to me. Love you much!!!

#scottellsworth #author #book #bookblogger #bookreview #newblogpost #blacklivesmatter #racerelations #read #tulsa1921 #alwaysforeverreading #foreverreading

Forever Reading’s Rating = 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I just finished reading, In Search of the Promised Land: A Slave Family in The Old South by John Hope Franklin and Loren Schweninger. While searching the Internet for books written by Dr. Franklin, a 1935 Fisk University graduate, the title of this novel caught my attention, so I checked it out at the library.

When I finally receive the book, I begin to read the prologue. Imagine my surprise when I read words, such as Deaderick Street; Nashville; Davidson County Courthouse; and Tennessee. I am astonished because I attended college in Nashville, and I was going to read about this city and its early beginnings from the viewpoint of a slave. Then, I read the words, Charlottesville, Virginia. I immediately think, “This is the place where Heather Heyer lost her life during the protest on August 12, 2017.” The next thing I know, I put down the other book that I was reading, and I begin to read this one with intensity.

A mother’s love. A mother’s sacrifice. A mother’s determination. Dr. Franklin chronicles the life of Sally Thomas, a slave mother who desires only one thing for her children: freedom. Her story begins in Charlottesville, Virginia and then shifts to Nashville, Tennessee. As I read this novel, I kept wondering when Thomas’ sons or grandchildren would find their “promised land”. Throughout this novel, Sally, her sons, and her grandchildren must navigate their lives during and after the institution of slavery. Do they find their promised land? Reading the novel will answer this question.

My challenge to you: Franklin and Schweninger provide much imagery that is difficult to ignore. Therefore, as you read this novel, allow your mind to experience the Thomas family’s journey. Lastly, remember to chime in on what you are reading. Happy reading!

#johnhopefranklin #lorenschweninger #africanamerican #authors #blackpeople #biography #book #bookblogger #bookreview #charlottesville #freedom #nashville #newblogpost #read #slavery #alwaysforeverreading #foreverreading

Forever Reading’s Rating = 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟