Tulsa Massacre Survivor Viola Fletcher Dies at 111

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Viola Fletcher, the oldest known survivor of the horrific 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. At 111 years old, Mother Fletcher was a living testament to resilience, carrying the weight of history and advocating for justice until her final days.

A Life Marked by Tragedy and Strength

Fletcher passed away in North Texas, but the memories of the brutal events in Tulsa’s Greenwood neighborhood, once known as “Black Wall Street,” remained vivid. She was one of only two living survivors, alongside Lessie Benningfield Randle, who recently celebrated her 111th birthday.

The 1921 massacre saw a white mob loot, burn, and murder hundreds of Black residents over two days. Homes and businesses were destroyed, and thousands were displaced. Fletcher, who testified before Congress in 2021, shared harrowing recollections: “I still see Black men being shot, Black bodies lying in the street. I still smell smoke and see fire.”

Advocacy for Justice and Reparations

Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols confirmed Fletcher’s passing, calling her a survivor who “endured more than anyone should.” He highlighted her lifelong commitment to advocating for justice for the survivors and descendants of the massacre. “She never stopped advocating for justice… and I hope we all can carry forward her legacy with the courage and conviction she modeled,” Nichols stated.

Fletcher, along with Randle and her late brother Hugh Van Ellis, were plaintiffs in a lawsuit seeking reparations from the city of Tulsa. Despite arguments that the event was too long ago, Tulsa has moved forward with initiatives like the $105 million package to commemorate the Tulsa Race Massacre Observance Day.

A Legacy of Truth and Resilience

Viola Fletcher’s life was a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of historical trauma and the importance of remembering. Her strength, grace, and unwavering pursuit of truth serve as an inspiration.

With her passing, Lessie Benningfield Randle now stands as the sole survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The stories and memories carried by these remarkable individuals are invaluable pieces of American history that must not be forgotten.