Viola Fletcher, recognized as the oldest survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, has passed away at the age of 111. Her death was confirmed on Monday by Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols, who did not disclose additional details about her passing. Fletcher’s remarkable life spanned from witnessing the destruction of her thriving Black neighborhood in 1921 to advocating for reparations nearly a century later. With her passing, Lessie Evelyn Benningfield, also 111 and six months younger, now stands as the last known survivor of the tragic events.
The Tulsa Race Massacre, which devastated the Greenwood neighborhood—often referred to as “Black Wall Street” due to its vibrant economy and successful Black entrepreneurs—resulted in a devastating loss of life and property. Historical accounts estimate that up to 300 people perished, and countless families were displaced, leaving a lasting scar on the community.
Fletcher’s recollections of her childhood in Greenwood depicted a tight-knit and industrious community. Growing up in a family where her stepfather, Henry Ellis, juggled multiple jobs, she experienced a sense of camaraderie as families gathered for ice cream celebrations and baked goods during special occasions. Her testimony before Congress highlighted the horrors of the massacre and underscored her pursuit of justice and acknowledgment for the suffering endured by victims and their descendants.
Fletcher’s legacy extends beyond her personal experiences; it serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing need for dialogue and reparative measures concerning the injustices faced by Black communities throughout American history. Her life stands as a testament to resilience, hope, and the pursuit of justice, drawing attention to the importance of remembering and addressing the injustices of the past.