The Oklahoma Supreme Court has refused to reconsider the dismissal of a lawsuit seeking reparations for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, in which the thriving Black community of Greenwood, known as Black Wall Street, was destroyed by a white mob. The lawsuit was filed by two known survivors, Viola Fletcher (109) and Lessie Benningfield Randle (110), who sought justice for the devastating losses caused by the massacre.
The lawsuit argued that the City of Tulsa and other entities failed to protect the community and contributed to the ongoing harm experienced by survivors and their descendants. Despite the clear historical evidence of the massacre’s impact, the case was dismissed earlier in 2023, and the recent ruling closes the door on further legal action.
This decision underscores the continuing struggle for accountability and reparations for historical injustices against Black communities. Advocates vow to pursue alternative paths for justice, even as the survivors near the end of their lifetimes.
What’s Next?
Advocates for the Tulsa Race Massacre survivors vow to continue the fight, exploring alternative ways to push for reparations, education, and preservation of the Greenwood District’s history. While the legal battle faces significant hurdles, the moral case for justice remains undeniable.
As Viola Fletcher once testified:
“I am here seeking justice, and I am asking my country to acknowledge what happened in Greenwood in 1921.”
The survivors and descendants of Black Wall Street deserve more than symbolic gestures—they deserve tangible action and accountability.
