Viola Ford Fletcher’s passing at the age of 111 marks the loss of a pivotal figure in the fight for justice and recognition concerning the Tulsa Massacre, one of the most devastating incidents of racial violence in American history. Her lifelong dedication to ensuring the memories of the victims and survivors continued to resonate speaks volumes about resilience and the ongoing struggle for civil rights in the U.S. Fletcher’s efforts highlight not only the injustices of the past but also the importance of advocacy and remembrance for future generations.
Viola Ford Fletcher, one of the last surviving witnesses of the 1921 Tulsa Massacre, passed away at the impressive age of 111. Fletcher was renowned for her unwavering activism, dedicated to achieving justice for the victims of one of the most tragic episodes of racial violence in United States history. Fletcher was recognized not only for her age but also for her courageous commitment to ensuring that the horrific events of the past are not forgotten.
Following her death, Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols expressed the city’s deep sorrow over her passing, calling her “Mother Viola Fletcher” and acknowledging her legacy as a survivor of a dark chapter in Tulsa’s history. He emphasized that her life embodied a deep reservoir of truth, resilience, and grace, serving as a poignant reminder of the progress made and the work still required in the ongoing pursuit of justice.
Fletcher was just seven years old when the Tulsa Massacre, fueled by racial animosity and injustice, erupted in Oklahoma. The violence followed the arrest of 19-year-old Dick Rowland, a Black shoeshiner, who was wrongfully accused of assaulting a white woman, leading to a mob of white men demanding his lynching. A group of Black residents attempted to protect Rowland, triggering chaos and violence that devastated Tulsa’s Greenwood District, a prosperous community recognized as one of the wealthiest Black neighborhoods in the United States at the time.
In a tragically brief period, from May 31 to June 1, 1921, vigilante groups and local law enforcement incited a wave of destruction, looting and burning down 35 blocks of the district, resulting in staggering losses ultimately estimated at .2 million when adjusted for inflation. The death toll is estimated to be as high as 300, with countless others injured, while many victims remain unaccounted for in unmarked graves.
After the massacre, Fletcher and her family faced severe hardships, losing their home and becoming sharecroppers, a role that symbolized continued exploitation and poverty. In a further act of injustice, Rowland was never charged, as the woman who accused him, Sarah Page, chose not to pursue the case.
For decades, the Tulsa Massacre remained largely absent from national discussions until interest in the event intensified, spurred by the establishment of an investigative commission in 1997. Despite efforts to gain compensation for victims in 2001, these initiatives ultimately failed due to legal limitations.
On the 100th anniversary of the tragedy, Fletcher eloquently shared her experiences before the U.S. Congress and co-authored a memoir titled “Don’t Let Them Bury My Story” with her grandson, further solidifying her legacy as an emblem of resilience and a platforms for advocating civil rights. Tributes poured in from leaders including former President Barack Obama, who recognized her courage in sharing her story and emphasized the importance of remembering this painful chapter in American history.
Fletcher’s life serves as a testament to the enduring fight against racial injustice and the importance of remembering those who suffered during the Tulsa Massacre. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations in the ongoing quest for equality and justice.
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