Rodney L Clark

Telling Our Stories (Based on the Events of the 1921 Race Riot) Volume II Rodney L Clark

Telling Our Stories (Based on the Events of the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot) Volume II In The Silent Chapter, Henry and Helen's chicken café continues to be prosperous in Tulsa, Oklahoma's Greenwood District (Black Wall Street). Mildred turns down an offer of marriage to fulfill her dream of going to Langston University to become a teacher. Henry scolds Mildred for wanting to talk about the race massacre and tells her to let it go. Henry succumbs and Helen is faced to sell the restaurant to businessman George Maxwell. His apparent love affair leaves him alone to care for his wife and children. In, Known... But Not Discussed the race massacre continues to be subject of non-discussion. The Negroes of Tulsa, Oklahoma's Greenwood District continue to thrive with good businesses. This story takes place in a barber and beauty shop. The Oklahoma Eagle Newspaper serves as an historical backdrop to the story line. Mildred's first husband Elijah is killed in the war and she eventually marries her second husband Joe Burkhalter. Mildred's relationship with Joe turns violent as she struggles to maintain her dignity. In, Nothing... Not a Word... In Tulsa, the race massacre continues to be a topic of non-discussion. The story takes place at "Leroy's Place" a juke joint in the Tulsa community. The characters intermingle at the juke joint and have philosophical discussions about the community and national civic issues. The story turns after a gambling game goes awry and the characters must face decisions on how to resolve unforeseen circumstances. Mary works at the juke joint. Mildred visits her frequently to discuss Mary's daughter who is a student at Booker T. Washington. Another student questions why no one wants to discuss the race massacre and vows to bring the issue to the forefront of the community.