From Tulsa to Ghana, Mother Fletcher’s Long Journey Comes to a Close at 111

November 26, 2025

Viola Fletcher, the oldest known survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, passed away at age 111 on November 24, leaving behind a powerful legacy of advocacy and remembrance. Having witnessed the destruction of Greenwood's prosperous Black Wall Street as a child, she dedicated her life to ensuring this tragic chapter of American history would not be forgotten or minimized. Throughout her long life, she testified before Congress demanding reparations, co-authored a memoir with her grandson, and contributed oral histories to preserve the truth of what happened.

Who is affected

Viola Fletcher (deceased survivor)
The city of Tulsa and its residents
Survivors and descendants of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
Hughes Van Ellis (Fletcher's brother, known as Uncle Red)
Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols
Oklahoma State Rep. Regina Goodwin
Community members served by the Viola Ford Fletcher Foundation
The African diaspora community

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are described in the article. The article primarily reports on Fletcher's death and reflects on her past accomplishments and advocacy work.

Why it matters

Fletcher's death represents the loss of direct living testimony to one of America's most devastating episodes of racial violence, making historical preservation and education even more critical. Her century-long advocacy forced continued public reckoning with a massacre that authorities and institutions attempted to erase from history. Her testimony before Congress and detailed documentation through memoirs and oral histories created an undeniable record that prevents future generations from claiming ignorance about state-sponsored racial violence. Her legacy demonstrates the enduring strength of survivors who transform personal trauma into movements for justice and accountability.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint