Three resilient survivors, all over 100 years old, who endured the horrors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, have made a steadfast vow to continue their years-long fight for restitution.
Despite a recent setback in their pursuit of reparations, as an Oklahoma judge dismissed their lawsuit seeking redress for the ongoing damage caused by a hate-filled, violent rampage that obliterated their once-vibrant majority Black community a century ago.
Centenarian Survivors of Tulsa Race Massacre
Hughes “Uncle Red” Van Ellis, 102, Viola Fletcher, 109, and Lessie Benningfield Randle, 108, stand resolute in their mission.
Emboldened by their unwavering determination, a team of attorneys representing the survivors has indicated that an appeal on their client’s behalf is imminent, contending that the law was not applied justly in the case.
Solomon-Simmons and Solfanell are part of a formidable legal team consisting of more than two dozen lawyers who, in 2020, filed a lawsuit under Oklahoma’s public nuisance law.
Their objective was to hold the defendants, including the city of Tulsa and six other local entities, accountable for the historical massacre and its lasting impact on the Greenwood community.
The lawsuit sought acknowledgment of the massacre and established a fund for survivors and descendants affected by the traumatic event.
Read more: Fatal Attack: Health Ministry Confirms 22 Deaths In Omdurman Air Strike
A Setback With Broader Implications
The dismissal of the case, with prejudice, preventing it from being filed again, is seen as a significant setback by many supporters who viewed the Oklahoma lawsuit as a potential model for reparations efforts nationwide.
In the aftermath of this denial of reparations for the three survivors, experts and advocates emphasize that the pursuit of national reparations has become more crucial than ever.
Dr. Ron Daniels, president of the National Reparations Commission, a coalition of reparations supporters, remains undeterred by the recent ruling.
He affirms that it underscores the pressing need to persist in the fight for federal reparations, stating, “I’m not throwing up my hands. It demonstrates the utter necessity to continue to fight and the need for federal reparations.”
The quest to secure reparations for African Americans, whose ancestors endured the profound injustices of slavery, has been an ongoing struggle spanning decades.
While the murder of George Floyd in 2020 reignited the momentum for reparations, progress on federal legislation in Congress has remained stagnant.
The denial of reparations for the Tulsa Race Massacre survivors serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address historical injustices and work towards a more equitable future.
Read more: Diplomatic Diplomacy: Biden’s Diplomatic Roll Of The Dice To Calm US-China Relations
