Viola Fletcher, one of the last survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre, dies at 111

"Viola Ford Fletcher was just 7 years old when she fled the prosperous Tulsa neighborhood known as Black Wall Street. She said her family lost everything after an enraged white mob destroyed about 35 city blocks and, according to historians, killed as many as 300 people. In 2023, she testified before a House committee. (SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING) VIOLA FORD FLETCHER: When my family was forced to leave Tulsa, I lost my chance of an education. I never finished school past the fourth grade."

"Fletcher worked as domestic help to white families near Tulsa for most of her life. She raised three children. Fletcher accused the perpetrators of the massacre, who included government officials, of living in wealth while she struggled in poverty. (SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING) FLETCHER: I have been blessed with a long life and have seen the best and the worst of this country. I think about the horror inflicted upon Black people in this country every day."

Viola Ford Fletcher died at age 111 and was one of the last survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. She fled Black Wall Street at age seven after an enraged white mob destroyed about 35 city blocks and historians estimate as many as 300 people were killed. Fletcher lost educational opportunities and worked as domestic help for most of her life while raising three children. She accused perpetrators, including government officials, of prospering while she lived in poverty. Her legal efforts for compensation from Oklahoma and Tulsa stalled, though she received some private donations and testified before a House committee in 2023.

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