Making Oklahoma an all-Black state was the goal of Edward McCabe in the late 1890s. His unique story of determination and a dream was ultimately thwarted, but McCabe's passion isn’t forgotten, and it’s the subject of the new book “Black Moses: A Saga of Ambition and the Fight for a Black State” by author and professor Caleb Gayle. Gayle will be at Full Circle Bookstore, fullcirclebooks.com, on August 13 at 6:30 p.m. for a book signing and conversation with Reverend A. Byron Coleman from Fifth Street Baptist Church in Oklahoma City.
Gayle said, “I’m drawn to under-told stories that help explain how America came to be—especially ones that challenge who we think built this country. The story of Edward McCabe, and the thousands he recruited to build Black communities first in Kansas and then Oklahoma, is a deeply American story about ambition, exile, and invention.”
Gayle is an award-winning journalist and author. He’s a professor at Northeastern University in Massachusetts and a contributing writer at The New York Times Magazine. He lived in Oklahoma when he was younger.
“I moved to Oklahoma when I was eight years old, and I saw Black towns, Black rodeos, and Black neighborhoods without realizing how radical their existence was. Learning about McCabe changed that. He recast those places for me—not as quaint holdovers, but as part of an ambitious project to carve out a safe and sovereign Black home in the West,” explained Gayle.
Writing this book has taken Gayle six years. He said he’s excited to finally share what he learned through his research and reporting.
“For readers in Oklahoma, this book might change how you see your town, your state, your history. You’ll meet the people who tried to make Oklahoma into an all-Black state. But beyond its importance, I hope ‘Black Moses’ is simply a great ride—an unforgettable trip through a version of the West built by people who weren’t supposed to be allowed to dream so big,” said Gayle.
Steven Zoeller, Full Circle Bookstore Assistant Manager said, “Oklahoma’s time as a territory has long fascinated history enthusiasts, and Caleb’s contribution only enhances its intrigue. In ‘Black Moses,’ Caleb has excavated a neglected episode in history for a popular audience, which I hope deepens people’s feelings for the state and makes them see they are part of its history even if they didn’t believe they were.”
The event will also feature a conversation between Gayle and Rev. A Byron Coleman. Coleman was a professor at the University of Oklahoma where Gayle earned his undergraduate degree. Gayle said that Coleman always encouraged students to explore under-reported stories.
“I’m excited to be back in a room with fellow Oklahomans, not just to share what I’ve learned—but to hear what others remember, too.” Gayle continued, “I’ll talk about how I became obsessed with this part of our history, and why I think understanding it helps us make more sense of the moment we’re living in now. I can’t wait to meet readers, hear what resonated with them, and remind all of us that history isn’t something behind us—it’s something we’re still building together.”
The book signing and conversation with Caleb Gayle will be at Full Circle Bookstore on August 13 at 6:30 p.m. Full Circle Bookstore is located in 50 Penn Place on the first floor at 1900 NW Expressway in Oklahoma City. This event is completely free, but RSVPs or pre-orders via phone or email are strongly encouraged. Email [email protected] or call 405-842-2900.
