... a propulsive present tense.

... offers a moving and humane portrait of the massacre, drawn from the author’s extensive investigation as well as his experience as a native Tulsan. While Ellsworth traces his own journey researching the massacre since the 1970s, he also places Black Tulsans and their memories at the center of his narrative.

... a much-needed book that acts like a mirror. Though documenting a particular place and time, it helps us understand the race-based and sectarian turmoil that is so pervasive today.

.. .resists the urge to monetize the centennial anniversary of unspeakable evil by offering a more detailed account of black trauma at the hands of a lawless mob of white Tulsans drunk on the myth of racial supremacy.

Ellsworth's book presents a riveting, painful-to-read account of a mass crime that has avoided justice.

Reading The Ground Breaking is going to leave you wrung out.

The resulting odyssey makes for a difficult read, both for its grim content and jumpy, stylised prose. The author could do considerably more to explain why this extraordinary incident took place. But the story he tells is an essential one, with just a glimmer of hope in it. Because of the work of Ellsworth and many others, America is finally staring this appalling chapter of its history in the face. It’s not a pretty sight..

The bulk of the book discusses the aftermath and the unearthing of long-buried facts, including the search for rumored mass graves of African American citizens of Tulsa. Finally, through the efforts of the author and other interested persons, including journalists, 'There was no question that Greenwood and the massacre were working their way into the country’s historical memory book.' The Ground Breaking makes a valuable contribution toward that and, if for no other reason, is worth a read..

A thoughtful exploration of the importance of collective memory. It is particularly poignant as 2021 marks the centennial of the massacre. A must-read for all who are interested in how history continues to impact the present..

... vital.

... riveting.