It was originally planned to be a 5 minute social media post, but after an incredible interview, a documentary was made. It all stemmed from one question. “What massacre?”

While working at the Buffalo History Museum as the Digital Media Specialist, Tala Harden, with the help of former Director of Communications, Brian Hayden, teamed up to write a social media story about Buffalo’s connection to the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. Using the guide of the “On This Day in Buffalo History” calendar from the Buffalo History Museum, they found a the death date of Andrew J. Smitherman. A note was made that he was an African-American newspaper publisher and a massacre survivor. What massacre?

That led them to contact the co-founder of the Uncrowned-Queens Institute and History Museum board member, Dr. Baraba Seals-Nevergold.

Dr. Nevergold provided two video interviews with Tala Harden and Brian Hayden, telling not only the story of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, but about her connection to Andrew J. Smitherman.

“And a Shot Rang Out,” is a 2024 documentary about Buffalo NY’s connection to Tulsa, OK’s 1921 Race Massacre through one man, Andrew J. Smitherman. Narrated by Dr. Baraba Seals-Nevergold and Directed by Tala Harden.