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Remembering Viola Ford Fletcher: Last Survivor of Tulsa Race Massacre Passes at 111

Source: Viola Ford Fletcher, oldest survivor of Tulsa Race Massacre, dies aged 111 (2025-11-26)

Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest known survivor of the devastating Tulsa Race Massacre, has passed away at the age of 111. Her death marks the end of an era for one of the most tragic episodes in American history. Fletcher was just seven years old when the violence erupted in Greenwood, Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1921, where a white mob attacked the thriving Black community, resulting in an estimated 300 deaths. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to preserving the memory of this atrocity and advocating for justice and reparations, although her efforts faced legal setbacks. Fletcher’s passing underscores the importance of confronting historical racial violence and ensuring its lessons are never forgotten. In recent developments, the Tulsa Race Massacre remains a significant subject of national reflection and justice efforts. The last known survivor, Lessie Benningfield Randle, is now 111 years old, symbolizing the fading but enduring legacy of those who endured the violence. The massacre was triggered by a false accusation against a Black teenager, Dick Rowland, which incited a white mob to attack Greenwood, a prosperous Black neighborhood. A 2025 U.S. Justice Department review highlighted how sensationalized media coverage and social tensions fueled the violence, which included arson, looting, and mass killings. Despite ongoing campaigns for acknowledgment and reparations, legal actions have faced obstacles, including dismissals by the Oklahoma Supreme Court. The Tulsa Race Massacre is increasingly recognized as one of the most severe episodes of racial violence in U.S. history, with recent scholarly research emphasizing its long-term impacts on racial disparities and economic inequality. The event's historical significance has prompted renewed calls for comprehensive education about racial violence, reparative justice, and systemic reform. Efforts by descendants and civil rights organizations continue to push for official recognition, memorials, and reparations to honor the victims and ensure such atrocities are never repeated. Recent advancements include the establishment of the Greenwood Cultural Center, which aims to preserve the history of Greenwood and promote racial reconciliation. Additionally, the U.S. government has committed to integrating the history of the Tulsa Race Massacre into school curricula nationwide, reflecting a broader movement toward acknowledgment and healing. The massacre's anniversary is now marked by national commemorations, emphasizing the importance of confronting racial violence in America’s collective memory. As the last survivors pass away, their stories serve as powerful reminders of resilience and the ongoing struggle for racial justice in the United States.

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