Synergy: Massacre

A massacre is the deliberate and brutal slaughter of multiple individuals. Often perpetrated against defenseless victims by those seeking political or social gain, these mass killings are often aimed at minority, racial, or ethnic groups. The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre is an example.

Read the recently published works of nonfiction for youth, then learn more at the website.

BLACK BIRDS IN THE SKY by Brandy Colbert shares the story and legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Emphasis is placed on the larger history of violence against African Americans as well as the Native Peoples who came before them. Of particularly note is the focus on active suppression of information about the event and how it connects to broader discussions of systemic racism.

THE BURNING by Tim Madigan was recently adapted for young people by Hilary Beard. In addition to an account of the Tulsa Race Massacre, the book explores the larger historical context along with a discussion of the need for social justice.

The TULSA RACE MASSACRE is an interactive article from The New York Times. Using maps, historical photos, and the stories of individuals, the project explores the prosperous Black community known as America’s Black Wall Street and the tremendous loss of life and property street-by-street. By telling the story of the individual people and places, readers become immersed in the time and place of the massacre.

To explore the interactive, go to https://nyti.ms/3k8l1J4.

ARC courtesy of Henry Holt and Harper Collins.

Synergy: Tulsa Race Massacre

On May 31 and June 1 1921, a mob of armed, white people attacked homes, looted businesses, and burned the African American community of Greenwood Oklahoma. As many as three hundred black people were killed and thousands were left homeless. The police did nothing to protect the community and the incident was suppressed until recently.

Read the recently published picture book for youth, then learn more at the website:

UNSPEAKABLE written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Floyd Cooper retells the true story of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. Using easy to understand text and engaging illustrations, the story takes readers on a journey before, during, and after the tragic event. An author’s note provides additional information and historical photos.

The CENTER FOR RECONCILIATION website provides a virtual tour including text, images, and videos telling the story of the people, place, and massacre. A Curriculum Resource section provides survivor portraits, stories, historical photos, and learning resources.

To learn more, go to https://www.jhfcenter.org/.

To view photos from the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum, go to https://bit.ly/39x68L8

ARC courtesy of Learner Publishing Group.

Synergy: Kent State Shootings

On May 4, 1970, four unarmed college students were killed and nine injured during a peaceful rally. National Guard soldiers fired on participants at the anti-Vietnam War gathering. The massacre trigger public outrage causing the largest student strike in history with millions of students participating. Although a Commission report concluded that the shootings were unjustified, no one was convicted in the shootings.

Read the recently published young adult books, then learn more at the website:

KENT STATE by Deborah Wiles is a work of historical fiction telling the story of the May 4, 1970 incident through multiple voices and vantage points.

KENT STATE: FOUR DEAD IN OHIO by Derf Backderf is a graphic history exploring the lives of the four young people who died and the events leading up to the May 4th tragedy.

KENT STATE SHOOTINGS is a digital collection from Kent State University’s Special Collections and Archives. The May 4 Collection includes an array of primary sources related to the tragedy and its aftermath including an oral history project, digital archive, and information packet.

To visit the digital collection, go to https://bit.ly/3ngaHO7.

ARC courtesy of Scholastic and Abrams.