A third set of remains, tragically marked by a gunshot wound, has been discovered in Tulsa as part of the ongoing effort to locate the graves of victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. This discovery marks a pivotal moment in the historical reckoning of a dark chapter in American history that has long been suppressed and overlooked.
According to Kary Stackelbeck, the state archaeologist of Oklahoma, the remains are among three sets exhumed during the latest search at Oaklawn Cemetery. Stackelbeck shared this information via a social media statement, outlining that these remains were located in an area where it is believed that at least 18 Black men, whose lives were brutally taken during the massacre, had been buried.
The recently found remains are currently undergoing forensic analysis at a dedicated facility. Stackelbeck confirmed that they have been appropriately processed for examination and identification—an effort significantly aided by modern forensic techniques, including the analysis of DNA.
This latest find comes nearly a month after the identification of another set of remains, previously exhumed, belonging to C.L. Daniel, a World War I veteran from Georgia. Utilizing DNA samples from Daniel's descendants enabled officials to confirm his identity. This revelation marked a poignant moment in Tulsa's ongoing journey to uncover the truth about the massacre.
In terms of context, the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre was ignited by false accusations against a Black man, resulting in a white mob embarking on a violent rampage through the Greenwood District, widely recognized as Black Wall Street—one of the most prosperous African American communities in the United States at the time. Over the course of just two days, between May 31 and June 1, the mob killed an estimated 300 Black residents and destroyed thousands of homes, businesses, schools, and churches.
The identification of historical facts surrounding the events of that time has been aided by various documents, including newspaper articles and death certificates, which serve to provide insights into how victims were buried. Stackelbeck noted that the exhumed remains that meet these criteria are traditionally placed in adult-sized wooden caskets.
This systematic search for the remains, which has been ongoing since 2020, has so far unveiled over 120 identified graves linked to the massacre victims. Approximately 30 sets of remains have been subjected to DNA collection efforts, reflecting the commitment to restoring dignity and justice for those affected by this historical atrocity.
In a related development, the City of Tulsa has taken proactive steps towards addressing the long-standing repercussions of the massacre. On August 3, 2024, Mayor G.T. Bynum and City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper announced the formation of a committee dedicated to exploring potential reparations for the descendants of the victims. This initiative indicates a growing acknowledgment of the need for reparative justice in addressing the systematic injustices faced by Black communities.
The committee is tasked with studying a variety of reparations, which may include financial aid, educational opportunities, housing equity programs, and the return of land to survivors and their descendants. These discussions are crucial as they reflect the community's desire not just for financial compensation, but for a comprehensive approach that encompasses educational, economic, and cultural restoration.
Bynum noted that although reparations discussions can often turn political, the focus should remain centered on practical community advancement and support. One of the committee's goals will likely involve reviewing two significant reports from 2001 and 2023 that previously recommended reparations, highlighting long-suppressed aspirations from the community for recognition and justice.
Importantly, the two remaining direct survivors of the massacre, Viola Fletcher, aged 110, and Lessie Benningfield Randle, aged 109, have recently been at the forefront of advocacy for reparations. Despite their advanced age, these survivors continue to engage in efforts to seek justice and recognition for the wrongs inflicted upon their community. Their voices, representing a living link to this tragic history, underline the importance of memory and justice in the fight against racial inequality.
The recent findings at Oaklawn Cemetery not only serve as a somber reminder of the past but also echo the continuing struggles for racial justice today. The newfound commitment from local officials reflects a critical moment in the larger narrative of restitution and reconciliation, exploring the depths of what it truly means to address historical injustice.
In light of these developments, it becomes increasingly clear that Tulsa’s journey towards healing and justice is far from over. The exhumation of remains and the formation of reparative committees illustrate a necessary path—the culmination of public acknowledgment, community revival, and tangible steps toward redressing historical wrongs.
As investigations continue and new evidence comes to light, the story of the Tulsa Race Massacre evolves, shaping not just local narratives but resonating far beyond the borders of Oklahoma. The struggle for truth and acknowledgment stands as an enduring legacy, one that implores society to confront its past while striving for a more equitable future.