59 pages • 1 hour read
Brandy ColbertBlack Birds in the Sky: The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
Nonfiction | Book | YA | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.