Honoring the memory of Viola Ford Fletcher, the last survivor of the Tulsa massacre

• Viola Ford Fletcher, the last survivor of the massacre in Tulsa, passed away at the age of 111.
• Fletcher advocated for the recognition of the tragedy and compensation for the victims.
• The massacre in Tulsa is considered one of the worst episodes of racial violence in the U.S.

Viola Ford Fletcher, the last known victim of the massacre in Tulsa, passed away at the age of 111. This was confirmed by the mayor of Tulsa, Monroe Nichols. Fletcher was only seven years old when, in May 1921, she was caught in the violent attack by white supremacists in Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Approximately 300 people were killed as a result of the racism.

In recent years, Fletcher, along with other survivors of the massacre, has been advocating for official recognition of the tragedy and compensation. However, their lawsuit was dismissed by the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Mayor Nichols emphasized that Fletcher's life was an example of resilience and determination, noting that she did not stop fighting for justice.

The massacre in Tulsa, which took place from May 31 to June 1, 1921, is regarded as one of the largest episodes of racial violence in U.S. history. It all began with the lynching of a Black teenager, Dick Rowland, in an attack on a white woman. The local newspaper "sensationally" reported the incident, which triggered the formation of white mobs demanding Rowland's lynching.

Fletcher described the horrific memories of the massacre, recalling the terror, chaos, and fear that engulfed her family. She testified before Congress in 2021 about how this tragedy impacted her life. Fletcher also took part in efforts to pursue legal action for compensation, but the Oklahoma Supreme Court dismissed their case in 2024.

In 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice published a review, stating that no individual had been held accountable for the racism. This triggered outrage among the descendants of the victims, who continue to fight for justice. Mayor Nichols expressed hope that Fletcher's legacy will inspire new generations to continue the fight for justice.

Tags: USA/Crime