Caleb Gayle's new book explores the history and relationship between Blacks and the Creek Nation

Caleb Gayle, an award-winning journalist, professor, and senior fellow at Northeastern University, discusses his latest book, "We Refuse to Forget: A True Story of Black Creeks, American Identity, and Power." (Photo credit: Jeremy Castro)

For Caleb Gayle, an award-winning journalist, professor, and senior fellow at Northeastern University, the curiosity to understand the relationship between Black people and the Creek Nation started growing when his family relocated from New York to Oklahoma.

The Creek Nation, also known as the Muscogee  Creek Nation, is an Oklahoma-based Native American Tribe that formerly owned Black slaves and accepted some as full citizens.

“We Refuse to Forget: A True Story of Black Creeks, American Identity, and Power” dives into the history of Blacks and the Creek Nation. (Photo Courtesy of Caleb Gayle)

Gayle, a guest  On Thursday’s edition of “Closer Look,” talked with program host Rose Scott about his latest book, “We Refuse to Forget: A True Story of Black Creeks, American Identity, and Power.”