In the first of our 3 part series leading up to Black History Month, we turn our focus to how journalists and historians today are covering the Tulsa Race Massacre. We hear from KalaLea, host of the critically acclaimed podcast Blindspot: Tulsa Burning. The series tells the story of the rise of Greenwood, a prosperous Black neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, also known as Black Wall Street. The podcast recounts the brutal 1921 massacre, a racist attack on the Black community backed by the local police. KalaLea spoke about the behind-the-scenes process of reporting on a deeply traumatic historical chapter, why healing is important, and the necessity of accountability. We also hear from Bracken Klar and Carlos Moreno of Tulsa's Tri-City Collective and the radio show Focus: Black Oklahoma, in partnership with KOSU. They discuss current efforts to better understand not just the tragedy of the event, but also the success of the neighborhood before and after the attack. Learn more about the story and find the transcript on radioproject.org. Making Contact is an award-winning, nationally syndicated radio show and podcast featuring narrative storytelling and thought-provoking interviews. We cover the most urgent issues of our time and the people on the ground building a more just world.  

EPISODE FEATURES: 

-KalaLea - lead producer and host of Blindspot: Tulsa Burning and producer, reporter and editor with WNYC and The New Yorker Radio Hour

-Bracken Klar - co-executive producer of Focus: Black Oklahoma, vice-president of Tulsa's Tri-City Collective and DEI consultant

-Carlos Moreno - member of Tulsa's Tri-City Collective, journalist and author of The Victory of Greenwood and A Kid's Book About the Tulsa Race Massacre  

MAKING CONTACT: This episode is hosted by Amy Gastelum. It is produced by Anita Johnson, Lucy Kang, Salima Hamirani, and Amy Gastelum. Our executive director is Jina Chung. MUSIC: This episode includes “Krotoa Haze,” “Krotoa,” “Cheldana Outpost,” “Krotoa Hills,” and “Helion Fleet” by Blue Dot Sessions. 

 

Learn More: 

Blindspot: Tulsa Burning: https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/blindspot/tulsa-burning Focus: Black Oklahoma: https://www.kosu.org/podcast/focus-black-oklahoma Tri-City Collective: https://www.tricitycollective.com/ Mapping Greenwood: https://www.mappinggreenwood.org/home-page/ The Victory of Greenwood: https://thevictoryofgreenwood.com/buy-the-book/?v=7516fd43adaa