The Burning: Massacre, Destruction, and the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921

The Burning chronicles the events leading up to and during the 1921 destruction of Greenwood, a prosperous Black neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Author Tim Madigan reconstructs the social and racial tensions of the era through primary sources and survivor accounts. The book details life in segregated Tulsa, where Greenwood had become known as "Black Wall Street" due to its thriving business district and affluent residents. Madigan examines the spark that ignited the violence and traces the rapid escalation that followed. The narrative follows key figures on both sides of the conflict, including prominent Greenwood residents, law enforcement officials, and others who were present during the chaos. Through their perspectives, the full scope of the incident emerges. This account of a long-suppressed chapter in American history raises fundamental questions about racial violence, economic disparity, and the complexity of confronting historical trauma. The echoes of these events continue to resonate in contemporary discussions of race relations and justice.

Readers note that Madigan provides extensive research and documentation while maintaining a gripping narrative style. Many reviewers appreciate how he humanizes the victims through personal stories and details from survivor accounts. Readers highlight: - Clear explanation of the social/political context leading to the massacre - Integration of primary sources and photographs - Balanced coverage of multiple perspectives Common criticisms: - Some sections feel repetitive - A few readers wanted more details about the aftermath and reparations - Limited coverage of life in Greenwood before the massacre Ratings: Goodreads: 4.29/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (500+ ratings) Reader quote: "Madigan's journalistic background shows in his methodical research and straightforward presentation of facts, while still capturing the human tragedy." - Amazon reviewer The book receives particular praise from educators and history students for its accessibility and thorough documentation.

Death in a Promised Land by Scott Ellsworth A historical account of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre that incorporates oral histories and archival research to document the destruction of Black Wall Street.

Wilmington's Lie by David Zucchino The chronicle of the 1898 coup d'état in Wilmington, North Carolina, where white supremacists overthrew the local government and killed Black citizens.

The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson A narrative of the Great Migration through the lives of three Black Americans who fled the South between 1915 and 1970.

Sundown Towns by James Loewen The examination of thousands of communities across America that systematically excluded Black people through violence, laws, and economic pressure.

Red Summer by Cameron McWhirter A documentation of the violent attacks against Black communities across multiple American cities during the summer of 1919.

🔥 The book reveals that the Tulsa Race Massacre began after a young Black man, Dick Rowland, was falsely accused of assaulting a white elevator operator, Sarah Page. The charges were later dropped, but not before the accusation sparked the devastation. 📚 Author Tim Madigan spent over two years researching the massacre, conducting extensive interviews with survivors who were well into their 80s and 90s when he spoke with them. 💰 The destruction of Greenwood (Black Wall Street) resulted in the loss of approximately $50-100 million in today's currency, including 35 city blocks, 1,256 homes, and 191 businesses. ✈️ The book documents how private aircraft were used to drop incendiary devices on buildings during the massacre, making it the first aerial bombing of a U.S. city. 🤫 For decades, the massacre was actively covered up in Tulsa, with pages about the event torn from local history books and official records destroyed. It wasn't until 2001, the year this book was published, that the Oklahoma Commission officially acknowledged the events.