In Memoriam
Viola Fletcher, one of the oldest survivors of Tulsa Race Massacre, dies at 111
Viola Ford Fletcher, known as “Mother Fletcher,” the oldest living survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, died Monday at 111. Her grandson confirmed her death, noting she passed peacefully with “a beautiful smile on her face.”
A Witness to History
Fletcher lived through the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the deadliest acts of racial violence in U.S. history. White mobs destroyed 35 blocks of Tulsa’s Greenwood District, killing and displacing thousands of Black residents. Insurance companies denied claims, leaving families impoverished.
Life After the Massacre for Viola Ford Fletcher
Fletcher never advanced beyond the fourth grade because her family fled Tulsa with nothing. During World War II, she worked as a ship welder. Afterward, she returned to Tulsa and spent her life working as a maid for white families, never earning a living wage.
Ongoing Fight for Justice
Fletcher testified in 2020 that she still remembered bodies in the street and homes burning. Survivors sought reparations, but in 2024 the Oklahoma Supreme Court dismissed their lawsuit. Her brother, Hughes Van Ellis, also a survivor, died in 2023 at 102.
Viola Fletcher’s Legacy and Impact
Fletcher’s life embodied resilience and courage. She carried memories of terror yet continued to speak publicly for justice. Her passing closes a living chapter of Greenwood’s history, but her voice remains a call to remember and act.
Lessie Benningfield Randle, 111, is now the only living survivor of the massacre.
Real stories. Real impact. Straight to your inbox. Join thousands others. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter today!
Follow us on Facebook, X, TikTok, Instagram
Memphis man sues city, police over photo taken of his deceased mother
Asbury Park High School: History Seminar
New Jersey police reach $4 million settlement with children of woman killed by ex-husband, a former police officer
Druski new parody mocking conservative women sparks debate
Detroit man convicted of sexually assaulting, killing teen found dead in prison 2 weeks after sentencing
Kendrick Johnson’s parents file $10B lawsuit against federal judges
GoFundMe launched after Alabama mother is fatally shot by husband hours after giving birth
Shaquille O’Neal pays for funeral costs for 12‑year‑old Jada West, Georgia officials say
Family demands justice after Baltimore County man dies after being punched by police officer in violent encounter
12‑year‑old Georgia girl dies after fight outside school bus, family says she was bullied
OWN greenlights first-ever ‘Belle Collective’ spinoff Belle Collective: Birmingham
Hazel Scott’s legacy returns to Harlem in free outdoor film screening
Olympic Gymnast Frederick Richard sets world record, raises $50K for Ugandan youth
Renee Ferguson, trailblazing investigative journalist, dies at 75
“AfroPoP Digital Shorts” returns to the land with “Sweet Samara,” climate and abolitionist film
-
Community2 weeks agoShaquille O’Neal pays for funeral costs for 12‑year‑old Jada West, Georgia officials say
-
Education1 week agoAsbury Park High School: Crossover event esports and history with Tina Watson
-
Social Justice2 days agoNew Jersey police reach $4 million settlement with children of woman killed by ex-husband, a former police officer
-
Social Justice4 days agoJury awards California woman $15 million after supervisor called her n-word
-
Culture2 weeks agoWu‑Tang Clan concert film to screen at The Pinhook as part of Wu‑Tang Wednesday Series
-
Social Justice7 days agoFamily pleads for Trump’s help bringing severely ill son home from Chinese prison
-
Crime & Justice4 days agoDetroit man convicted of sexually assaulting, killing teen found dead in prison 2 weeks after sentencing
-
Culture3 days agoDruski new parody mocking conservative women sparks debate
-
Social Justice2 weeks agoDOJ moves to dismiss criminal case against ex-officers charged for role in Breonna Taylor’s death
-
In Memoriam1 week agoIn Memoriam: Beloved Showtime at the Apollo co-host Kiki Shepard