Author Releases New Book About Evolution Of Greenwood District

Author Victor Luckerson released a new book, “Built From the Fire”, focusing on the evolution of Black Wall Street in the Greenwood District.

Luckerson says he wrote this book to capture the full narrative of the people of Greenwood from its beginning into present day.

He moved to Tulsa to write “Built From the Fire” from Atlanta three years ago, and it tells the story of the Goodwin family, who owned businesses on Black Wall Street before the Massacre and still owns property there today.

Luckerson also worked with the descendants of the Williams family, who owned the Dreamland theatre in the early 1900s. This book not only reflects on the tragedy and impact of the Tulsa Race Massacre, but on how the community’s evolved with urban renewal.

He also covers the fight for police reform, and the activism and spirit of protest still alive in the community.

“Think about the fact in 1921, it was really activists who went over to the courthouse trying to protect Dick Rowland, the young black man falsely accused of rape. There is still activists today advocating for justice, advocating for the community, advocating for their neighbors making sure Greenwood gets what it deserves. I think we have to make sure we honor the people doing the work today just as we honor the people who did it historically,” Victor Luckerson, Author Built From the Fire, said.

Luckerson also went through archival documents and Red Cross reports to learn about the Tulsa Race Massacre.

He said one of his most shocking discoveries was learning of eight babies who were stillborn during the Massacre.

Luckerson says it shows the importance of fighting for restitution today.

He hopes this book helps inspire the next generation to keep fighting for justice and says none of this would have been possible without working with descendants of Greenwood.

“It’s very important as a journalist to be able to capture an authentic story you can’t do that without spending time with folks. Without going into their homes, sharing meals with them, being intimate with them so they can be intimate with you. So, I was really able to understand these families and the community in a way I wouldn’t have been able to via phone or via email because I was right here in Tulsa for more than three years,” Victor Luckerson, Author Built From the Fire, said.

Luckerson is starting his nationwide book tour at Black Wall Street Legacy Festival on Friday at 7 p.m. inside the Greenwood Cultural Center.