Viola Ford Fletcher, oldest survivor of Tulsa Race Massacre, dies aged 111

November 25, 2025

Viola Ford Fletcher, who witnessed the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre as a seven-year-old child, has passed away at age 111. The massacre occurred when a white mob attacked the prosperous Black neighborhood of Greenwood, killing an estimated 300 residents and destroying over 1,200 properties after false accusations against a Black teenager sparked racial violence. Fletcher dedicated her later life to advocating for justice and reparations for survivors and their descendants, testifying before Congress about the trauma that haunted her throughout her lifetime.

Who is affected

Viola Ford Fletcher (deceased survivor)
Lessie Benningfield Randle (last known remaining survivor, age 111)
An estimated 300 residents who died in the 1921 violence
Survivors and descendants of the Tulsa Race Massacre
The Greenwood neighborhood community (historic and current residents)
Three centenarians who sued the city (including Mrs. Fletcher)
Mayor Monroe Nichols (Tulsa's first Black mayor)

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are described in the article. (The lawsuit mentioned has been dismissed, and the reparations package has been announced but implementation status is not specified as currently ongoing.)

Why it matters

The Tulsa Race Massacre represents one of the worst episodes of racial violence in US history, yet perpetrators were never held accountable and the atrocity went unrecognized for decades. Fletcher's advocacy work and testimony helped bring national attention to this historical injustice and its continuing impact on the Greenwood community. Her death at 111 years old marks the near-end of direct survivor testimony, making the preservation of this history and pursuit of justice increasingly urgent as living connections to the event disappear.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC