Viola Ford Fletcher, a survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has passed away at the age of 111. She dedicated her later years to seeking acknowledgment of the tragedy that befell Tulsa’s Greenwood district, a prosperous Black community also known as “Black Wall Street.”
Fletcher was a child when a white mob attacked Greenwood, leading to the destruction of homes and businesses. The events of that time remained largely unacknowledged for many years.
In 1997, Oklahoma formed a commission to investigate the massacre, bringing wider attention to the events. Fletcher testified before Congress, sharing her experiences. She also joined other survivors in a lawsuit seeking reparations, which was ultimately dismissed by the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
Throughout her life, Fletcher demonstrated resilience and a strong work ethic. She worked as a welder during World War II and later as a housekeeper for many years. Her grandson, Ike Howard, noted that she hoped her efforts would help people understand the importance of remembering the past.
