Delving into 'Built From the Fire' with Victor Luckerson

On this engaging podcast episode, join us as we sit down with Victor, author of the recently released book 'Built From the Fire'. Victor walks us through the narrative he has built around the Goodwin family, owners of the Oklahoma Eagle in Greenwood since 1914. We explore how the Goodwin family and the Greenwood District have experienced white supremacy and Jim Crow laws, and how the community was rebuilt following the Tulsa Race Massacre. Victor shares the unique tools and processes he used to create a narrative spanning over a hundred years, painting Greenwood as a microcosm of the Black American experience.

Our conversation takes a fascinating turn as we discuss Victor's motivations behind writing his book and how he challenges the depiction of black history in pop culture. We dive into the dynamic between true-to-life Greenwood figures and their lack of involvement in the production of multiple depictions of the Massacre in popular culture and discuss the historical role of the KKK and their influence on the Black community. Victor also shares his perspective on race relations in the US, which has evolved since writing his book, and some of the inspiring stories and individuals he encountered during his research.

Lastly, we touch upon the influence of technology and media on urban renewal, discussing the impact of the Oklahoma Eagle newspaper and the government's role in the Greenwood area's development. We uncover the hidden stories of Greenwood entrepreneurs and business owners, like AJ Smitherman, Lula Williams, and Alfonso Williams. Towards the end, we talk about Victor's upcoming book-related events and his views on the intersection of Greenwood's history with pop culture. Tune in to learn more about Victor's fascinating insights into the Greenwood District's history and the stories that have shaped it.