Violet Fletcher, the oldest known survivor of the horrific 1921 Tulsa Massacre, celebrated her 107th birthday on Wednesday, May 5, People Magazine reported. The Black female matriarch was only seven years old during the racially motivated massacre and is currently suing the city of Tulsa for its role in the traumatic event.
Fletcher was born in Oklahoma but moved to California with her husband Robert Fletcher after getting married in 1932. During World War I, she worked in shipyards as an assistant welder to assist in the war effort. The pair eventually moved back to Oklahoma and had three children.
Today, May 10, we celebrate Mother Viola Fletcher, one of three known living survivors of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, who turns 107. She is one of the lead plaintiffs seeking restitution & #reparations for the continual harm she & her family have experienced since the massacre. pic.twitter.com/5UdoWjYsBq
— Dreisen Heath (@dreisenheath) May 10, 2021
According to People, Hughes Van Ellis, a fellow survivor of the massacre and World War II war veteran, is also involved in the lawsuit against Tulsa. He recently celebrated his 100th birthday this past January. Ellis and Fletcher recently visited Tulsa’s infamous Greenwood District and sat down for a panel discussion, raising awareness for the historic event’s centennial recognition.
The massacre allegedly started with an encounter between a Black man and a white woman on a public elevator. Rumors and public speculation began to grow around the incident, and the man was arrested. Soon, a white mob started to form, and on June 1, 2021, they terrorized Black Tulsans by murdering them, looting Black businesses and setting fires wherever they could.
The mob also targeted the city’s Greenwood District, known for its prestigious Black businesses. Often referred to as “Black Wall Street,” the African-American neighborhood featured Black doctors, dentists, newspaper offices, hospitals, and countless homes. 800 people were treated for their injuries following the Tulsa Massacre, with around 300 people dead.
Related Post: Descendants Of Tulsa Race Massacre Demand Reparations…Again
Due to her young age, Fletcher claims to have few memories of the event but has continued to be a historical activist, bringing awareness to the Tulsa Massacre well into her golden years. According to People, she was involved in an Oklahoma press conference this past week that spoke out against HB 1775, an Oklahoma bill that can block certain race-related topics.”
Though she officially retired at age 85, it looks like Fletcher’s work is far from done.
