Honor and Legacy: Remembering Viola Ford Fletcher
Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols recently announced the passing of Viola Ford Fletcher at the remarkable age of 111. Fletcher was known as the oldest living survivor of the harrowing 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Her life and experiences stand as a testament to resilience in the face of immense adversity.
A Life of Courage
In a heartfelt message shared across social media, Mayor Nichols stated, “Today, our city mourns the loss of Mother Viola Fletcher, a survivor of one of the darkest chapters in our city’s history.” He emphasized her lifelong commitment to advocating for justice for herself and other survivors of the massacre. “She carried 111 years of truth, resilience, and grace,” Nichols noted, urging everyone to carry her legacy forward with courage and conviction.
Fletcher’s story is not just one of survival; it’s filled with determination. At a time when many might have retreated into silence, she remained a passionate advocate for recognition and reparations. Fletcher became a symbol of hope and a voice for those who endured injustices alongside her.
Reminder of a Dark Chapter
The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre marked a brutal attack on the thriving Greenwood District, often referred to as “Black Wall Street.” Sparked by a racially charged accusation, a white mob decimated the community, resulting in the deaths of at least 300 Black residents and the displacement of thousands more. Businesses and homes were mercilessly looted and burned.
Martial law was declared as the National Guard intervened, further compounding the injustice faced by Black residents. Historical records indicate that over 35 blocks were engulfed in flames and around 6,000 people were detained, some for extended periods.
Fletcher, reflecting on her childhood before the massacre, poignantly recalled, “We had friends and played outside… just loved being there.” This memory contrasts sharply with the violence that obliterated the innocence of countless families.
Continuing the Fight for Justice
Fletcher and her fellow survivors recognized that their fight was far from over. In 2020, she, along with Lessie Benningfield Randle and the late Hughes Van Ellis, filed a lawsuit against the city and county of Tulsa seeking reparations for the lasting impact of the massacre. Their courageous testimonies before Congress illuminated the trauma that still reverberates today.
Addressing Congress in 2021, Fletcher shared her haunting memories: “I still see Black men being shot, Black bodies lying in the street. I still smell smoke and see fire… I hear the screams.” Her words not only conveyed the profound pain of her past but also spurred a renewed conversation around accountability and reparations.
Despite arguments from the city that current residents should not bear financial responsibility for historical injustices, the call for reparations continues to gain momentum. Advocates emphasize that the trauma endured by survivors and their descendants is an ongoing crisis deserving acknowledgment and remedy.
A New Chapter in Tulsa’s Response
Recent developments in Tulsa suggest that change may be approaching. In 2022, Nichols, in his role as the city’s first Black mayor, introduced a groundbreaking $105 million initiative meant to address the socioeconomic inequities rooted in the violence of 1921. This “Road to Repair” plan aspires to embrace the history of the community while fostering a path towards justice and equality.
As we reflect on the legacy of Viola Ford Fletcher, her tireless advocacy for justice and human rights serves as a powerful example of resilience. Fletcher’s impact resonates in the ongoing dialogues about race, justice, and reparations, inspiring future generations to strive for a more equitable society.
Honoring Her Memory
The advocacy spirit of Fletcher will continue through initiatives such as the Viola Ford Fletcher Lifetime Recognition Award, aimed at celebrating those who show exceptional longevity and service to God and country. Her passing leaves behind an indelible mark on both Tulsa and the broader discourse around racial justice in America.
As the last remaining survivor of the massacre, Lessie Benningfield Randle now carries this critical torch of history and memory. The memories of those affected, including Fletcher, remind us of the enduring legacy of resilience and the need for continued advocacy in seeking justice for past wrongs.
