Lessie Benningfield Randle and Viola Fletcher, the last two survivors of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, recently brought their case to Oklahoma’s Supreme Court, seeking reparations for the destruction wrought upon their community. Despite their age of 109 years, they persist in demanding justice, alongside the memory of Fletcher’s brother, Hughes Van Ellis, who passed away last October at the age of 102. The appeal aims to address the lasting impact of the massacre, which saw white supremacists kill around 300 Black Tulsans and destroy several blocks of the prosperous Greenwood neighborhood, known as Black Wall Street. Randle and Fletcher’s fight symbolizes not only the quest for restitution for their community but also the broader struggle for justice and recognition of historical atrocities.
Their lawsuit contends that the damage inflicted by the Tulsa massacre has never been adequately addressed and calls for restitution in the form of returning land or property to descendants of those affected. The survivors, represented by lead attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons, assert that the appeal is not just about rectifying past wrongs but also about ensuring equitable access to justice for all Oklahomans. As the Oklahoma Supreme Court hears their opening arguments, Randle and Fletcher’s determination reflects a larger movement for accountability and recognition of historical injustices, offering hope for reconciliation and healing for survivors everywhere. Read more