Quraysh Ali Lansana Offers "Opal's Greenwood Oasis"

We're pleased to welcome Quraysh Ali Lansana back to StudioTulsa; the writer, poet, educator, and Tulsa Artist Fellow joins us to discuss his newest book. That volume, "Opal's Greenwood Oasis," is a children's book for which he is the co-author. Aimed at elementary-school readers, the book profiles one Opal Brown, who takes her very first "on her own" bike ride throughout her home neighborhood of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The year is 1921, and Tulsa's infamous race massacre has not yet occurred, and this community -- one of the most prosperous Black American neighborhoods of the early 20th century -- is lovingly, vividly, and carefully depicted. As was noted of this work by Trey Ellis, the award-winning film producer: "A beautiful and poignant reminder of the industry, joy, and resilience of Black people in America."