Learning about these events in our history, particularly our nearby history, can be uncomfortable, but it’s important to experience that discomfort and truly learn from our past so we can do better now.
The end of May/beginning of June marks the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Riot/Massacre. In preparation, the library received the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum’s “Spirit of Greenwood/1921 Tulsa Race Massacre” exhibit last year. Beginning this week, we will display the four-panel exhibit in our Computer Lab and by the east windows near our DVDs and graphic novels (two panels in each area).
The panels are two-sided: one side focuses on the Greenwood area; the other side discusses the Tulsa Race Massacre (and why it’s appropriate to call it a “massacre,” not a “riot”). Each side includes photographs, but none that are excessively graphic.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Tulsa Race Massacre, I encourage you to go to the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum’s website (tulsahistory.org) and read the 2001 Tulsa Race Riot Commission’s report (okhistory.org/research/forms/
We have several books in our adult nonfiction collection on the Tulsa Race Riot/Massacre. You can browse at 976.6 in the building or search Overdrive for digital items. The Tulsa Race Massacre plays important roles in some fiction items in the library. In the adult collection you’ll find “The Watchmen” TV series, “Lovecraft Country” by Matt Ruff, “Dreamland Burning” by Jennifer Latham, and “Fire in Beulah” by Rilla Askew.
In the teen collection, you’ll find “Angel of Greenwood” by Randi Pink, which is the subject of discussion among our Books & Brews group on June 5th from 1 – 3 PM at Fat Toad Brewing Co.