Shameen Anthanio-Williams
-Excerpt from upcoming book release, Tulsa Girl.
Mama, why is it hailing
When the sun is stretched so wide?
Her mother turned to face Olivia
And quickly pulled her aside
She motioned her to the window
On a hill stood a gun in plain view
You see it's not hail you hear on the roof top
It's your country shooting at you
TULSA GIRL is a story about a six year-old girl who witnessed the events of the historic Tulsa Massacre (commonly referred to as the Tulsa Riots) of 1921. Olivia’s love for school was quickly buried in the ashes of her destroyed town and what remained in her heart was fear. Will Olivia overcome her fear and return to school?
This story is written to inspire children to rise above their circumstances; to encourage a victorious response in the face disappointment and to shine on regardless. This story is based on true accounts of the Tulsa event as shared by Dr. Olivia J. Hooker. Dr. Hooker is a living legend; a United States Coast Guard trailblazer, a pioneering psychologist and a civil rights activist who celebrated her centennial on February 12, 2015. She has received numerous military and civic recognitions for her personal testimony of the Tulsa Massacre and for her lifelong professional and humanitarian accomplishments.