Viola Fletcher, Last Known Survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, Dies at 107
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Viola Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has died at the age of 107.Her death marks the loss of a crucial eyewitness to one of the worst incidents of racial violence in American history. Fletcher passed away on September 2nd, 2023, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, according to NBC News.
The Tulsa Race Massacre: A History of Devastation
The Tulsa Race Massacre, which took place on May 31 and June 1, 1921, involved a white mob attacking the Greenwood district of Tulsa, Oklahoma – a thriving Black community known as “Black Wall Street.” Fueled by racial resentment and false accusations, the mob looted and burned homes and businesses, resulting in widespread destruction and the deaths of an estimated 300 people. History.com details the events, noting the systematic destruction of a prosperous community.
viola Fletcher was just seven years old at the time of the massacre. She vividly recalled the terror of the attack, including witnessing the death of her father. In recent years, she became a powerful voice demanding justice and accountability for the atrocities committed against her community.
Fletcher’s Fight for Justice and Remembrance
In 2020, fletcher testified before Congress, sharing her harrowing experiences and calling for reparations.The New York Times reported on her emotional testimony, where she pleaded for the nation to remember the tragedy and address its lasting consequences. She was accompanied by her grandson, Ike Howard, who also testified.
Fletcher also pursued legal action seeking compensation for the damages inflicted upon her and other survivors. However, the Oklahoma Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit from the survivors in September 2023, arguing they should be compensated by the city for damages.
Don’t let Them Bury My Story and Legacy
Fletcher shared her experiences in her 2023 memoir, Don’t Let Them Bury My Story: The Oldest Living Survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre In Her Own Words.The book provides a firsthand account of the massacre and its enduring impact on her life.
Viola Fletcher’s death leaves only a handful of remaining verified survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Her unwavering commitment to sharing her story and seeking justice ensures that the memory of Greenwood and the victims will not be forgotten.
Key Takeaways:
* Viola Fletcher was the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
* The tulsa Race Massacre was a horrific act of racial violence that destroyed the Greenwood district of Tulsa, Oklahoma, also known as “Black Wall Street.”
* Fletcher dedicated her later years to advocating for justice and remembrance of the massacre, including testifying before Congress and publishing a memoir.
* Despite her efforts, a recent lawsuit seeking compensation for survivors was dismissed by the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
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