The oldest known survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, Viola Ford Fletcher, has died at the remarkable age of 111. Her passing marks the loss of a living connection to one of the most severe episodes of racial violence in American history.
A Witness to History
Mrs. Fletcher was a small child in 1921 when a white mob descended upon the prosperous Black district of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The community, often referred to as "Black Wall Street," was systematically destroyed. For over a century, she carried the memories of the terror and destruction she witnessed as a young girl.
Even in her advanced age, Viola Ford Fletcher remained a powerful advocate for justice and recognition for the victims and their descendants. She gave poignant interviews and testified before the U.S. Congress, ensuring that the world would not forget the atrocity.
A Legacy of Resilience and Remembrance
Her long life became a testament to resilience. Fletcher outlived nearly all her contemporaries from that era, becoming the primary voice for a community brutally scarred. Her efforts were central to recent movements seeking reparations and a full historical accounting of the events of 1921.
The news of her death was confirmed on November 24, 2025. While the specific cause of death was not immediately disclosed, her incredible lifespan of 111 years stands as a final testament to her strength.
Why This Story Resonates in Canada
While the Tulsa Race Massacre is a pivotal event in United States history, its story of confronting historical injustice and the enduring fight for racial equality has significant resonance for a Canadian audience. It prompts reflection on this nation's own history and the ongoing journey toward reconciliation and understanding.
The death of Viola Ford Fletcher closes a direct chapter to the past, but her powerful testimony ensures that the lessons of the Tulsa Race Massacre will continue to be taught and remembered for generations to come.
