A white mob attacked Tulsa’s Greenwood district in 1921. They destroyed 35 blocks of Black-owned businesses and homes. The violence killed hundreds of people. Authorities arrested thousands of Black residents. This event displaced many families.
Viola Ford Fletcher witnessed the horror at age 7. She remembered fires and killings. The fear stayed with her forever. Insurance companies denied claims for damages.
Fletcher’s Life Journey
Fletcher grew up in Oklahoma. She worked various jobs. However she never forgot the massacre. In later years, she shared her story openly.
Additionally, Fletcher co-authored a memoir in 2023. Titled “Don’t Let Them Bury My Story,” it detailed her experiences. Her brother Hughes Van Ellis also survived. He died in 2023 at 102.
Life After the Massacre
Fletcher worked various jobs as she grew. She welded ships during World War II. Later, she became a housekeeper. She raised three children with strong faith.
Yet she stayed silent about the massacre for decades. Working with white people, she avoided the topic. Fear lingered from the cruelty.
Pursuit of Justice
Fletcher advocated for reparations. She testified before Congress in 2021. Survivors sued Tulsa for compensation. Yet the Oklahoma Supreme Court dismissed the case in 2024.
Furthermore, the US Department of Justice investigated. They found no path for charges due to time limits. Tulsa’s mayor proposed a trust fund instead.
Death and Tributes
Fletcher passed away on November 24, 2025, at 111. Her grandson Ike Howard announced the news. He praised her love for life. Tributes poured in from leaders. Lessie Benningfield Randle remains the last survivor at 111.
