Tulsa Massacre Survivors Seek Federal Investigation

The last two survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, Viola Fletcher and Lessie Benningfield Randle, are appealing to President Biden and the U.S. Department of Justice to open a federal investigation into the massacre after the Oklahoma Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of their reparations lawsuit. The massacre, which destroyed the prosperous Black community of Greenwood, resulted in the deaths of as many as 300 Black residents and the destruction of over 1,400 homes and businesses. Despite the severe impact, no one has been held accountable, and reparations have not been provided. The survivors and their legal team argue that the legal system has failed them and are calling for intervention under the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act. They hope that federal action will lead to justice and inspire Black Americans to trust in the system. The survivors remain committed to their fight for recognition and restitution despite their advanced age and the legal setbacks they have faced.