Rooted in Resilience Introduction
This study is called: The 1921 Tulsa Massacre: The Retelling of Resilience.
My name is Carol Williams Ransom. I am a doctoral student at Grand Canyon University. I am working with Dr. Toi Dennis and Dr. Rehema Underwood.
The purpose of this study is to learn how African American descendants describe their family stories about surviving and recovering from the 1921 Tulsa Massacre. I want to understand how these stories continue to affect families today.
Key Information
This form explains what it means to be a part of this research study.
Who can take part in this study?
You can participate if you:
- Are 18 years old or older.
- Are Black and/or African American.
- Have a family member (ancestor) who has been affected by the 1921 Tulsa Massacre.
- Are willing to share stories of your ancestor's experiences.
- Are willing to participate for 60 minutes or longer.
- Are willing to answer basic background questions such as name, race, age, gender, grade completed, profession, marital status, church, and social memberships.
- Are willing to answer general rapport-building questions regarding yourself, where you grew up, and what your family is like today, and what family history means to you.
You cannot participate if you:
- Are under 18 years old.
- Are not Black and/or African American.
- Do not have an ancestor who was affected by the 1921 Tulsa Massacre.
- Do not want to share stories.
- Do not want to be audio-recorded.
- Are not willing to be interviewed for a 60-minute-plus interview session.
- Do not want to answer basic background questions such as name, race, age, gender, grade completed, profession, marital status, church, and social memberships.
- Do not want to answer general rapport-building questions regarding yourself, where you grew up, and what your family is like today, and what family history means to you.
Research Activities
Please read the following information carefully before making your decision.
What will I be asked to do?
If you agree to be in this study, you will:
- Read and review this information (about 1 – 2 minutes)
- Complete the consent form (about 5 – 10 minutes)
- Complete a short background questionnaire (about 3 – 5 minutes)
- Take part in a one-on-one audio-recorded interview (about 60 minutes or more).
During the interview, you will share stories about your family history.
Participation is voluntary.
When?
The study will take place in October or November 2026.
Where?
Interviews will take place:
- Online using Zoom, or
- In person at the Tulsa Central City/County Library located at 400 Civic Center, Tulsa, OK 74103
Will the interview be recorded?
Yes. The interview will be voice recorded.
- Online interviews will be voice-recorded using Zoom.
- In-person interviews will use a voice recorder.
You cannot be part of the study if you do not agree to be voice-recorded.
Who will have access to my data/information?
Your data will be available to:
- Dissertation chair and committee members
- Grand Canyon University review staff
- The researcher – Carol Williams Ransom
Am I required to participate in this study?
No. Participation is voluntary.
- You choose whether to join
- You can stop at any time
- If you stop, only information collected before you leave may be used (if you agree)
Any possible risks or discomforts?
There may be some emotional discomfort. You may feel upset when talking about:
- Racism
- Trauma
- Loss
- Family history
You can:
- Skip any questions,
- Pause or take a break,
- Stop the interview at any time.
If you feel upset, you can:
- Talk to someone you trust
- Contact a counselor
- Call the SAMHSA Helpline: 1(800) 662-4357
Are there any benefits?
There are no direct payments or personal benefits. However, you may benefit by:
- Helping others understand healing.
- Sharing the stories that history has omitted.
Will I be paid?
No. You will not be paid for participating.
Presentation of Information Collected
The research will be published as a dissertation in a research journal article.
Privacy and Data Security
Will researchers ever be able to link my data/responses back to me?
Yes. Every reasonable effort will be made to maintain participant confidentiality. However, confidentiality cannot be fully guaranteed.
Will my initial data include information that can identify me (names, addresses, or other identifying material, such as audio, specific demographics, etc.)?
Yes. Your name, address, email address, and telephone number will have to be collected.
Will researchers assign my data/responses a research ID code to use instead of my name?
Yes.
- Your name will be replaced with a code number
- Your identity will not be shared in reports
- Your answers will be used for research purposes
If yes, how will researchers create a list to link names with their research ID codes?
Yes. A number will be created to link the names to the study.
If yes, how will researchers secure the link between names and research ID codes? How long will the link be kept? Who has access? What is the approximate destruction date?
The link will be stored:
- in a locked filing cabinet located in a secure place,
- private location known only to the researcher.
- stored separately from research data with names removed.
The link will be stored for no less than three years.
Access will be given to:
- The researcher – Carol Williams Ransom
- Dissertation chair and committee members
- Grand Canyon University review staff
The destruction date: October 2029.
How and where will my data be protected (electronic and hardcopy)?
Audio-recorded interviews will be protected by:
- Uploaded to a USB thumb drive
- The thumb drive will have extra password security
Electronics and hardcopy will:
- Password protected
- Use an extra password security
- Securely locked in a file cabinet
Written notes, data collected, and data analysis will be:
- Unable to be identified
- Stored in a locked file cabinet
- Paper files will be shredded or professionally destroyed
- Dissertation paperwork kept for at least three years
- Published article work kept for at least ten years
Will AI be used?
Yes. Artificial Intelligence tools may help analyze the data. Privacy policy for the AI tool, MAXQDA: https://www.maxqda.com/privacy-policy
- All data will have identifiable information removed first
- Your name and personal details will not be shared
How long will the data be kept in the protected space?
All records will be maintained for at least three years.
Who can see my information?
Only:
- The researcher – Carol Williams Ransom
- Dissertation chair and committee members
- Grand Canyon University review staff
What is the privacy policy for Zoom?
The privacy policy for the virtual interviews is: https://explore.zoom.us/en/privacy/
Will the Informed consent forms be secured?
Yes. Signed consent forms will be:
- Stored separately from interview data
- Kept in a locked and extra password-secured location
- Accessible only to the researcher – Carol Williams Ransom
Your rights: If you live in California:
You also have rights to:
- Know what data is collected
- Ask for your data to be deleted (in some cases)
- Say no to data sharing or selling
For more information, click on the link: California Consumer Privacy Act
Future use of data
After removing names and personal details:
- Data may be used in future research
- This may happen without asking your permission
Study Contact Information
Carol Williams Ransom
Website: researchscholar@rootedinresilience.life
Email: CWilliamsR@my.gcu.edu
Phone: (813) 957-2748
Faculty advisors:
- Dr. Toi Dennis — toi.dennis@my.gcu.edu
- Dr. Rehema Underwood — rehema.underwood@my.gcu.edu
For concerns about your rights, contact:
IRB@gcu.edu — (602) 639-7804
Voluntary Consent
Participant Rights
- You have been given an opportunity to read and discuss the informed consent and ask questions about this study.
- You have been given enough time to consider whether or not you want to participate.
- You have read and understand the terms and conditions and agree to take part in this research study.
- You understand your participation is voluntary and that you may stop participation at any time without penalty.