What makes Mr. Van Ellis's passing particularly poignant is that he was one of the final three survivors of this horrific event. Even in his last days, he continued to advocate for justice, ensuring that the memory of that fateful day would never fade. With his passing, only two other survivors remain: his sister, Viola Ford Fletcher, who is 109 years old, and Lessie Benningfield Randle, aged 108. These remarkable individuals are now the sole living witnesses to a piece of history that should never be forgotten.
The year 2022 marked a significant moment in the survivors' quest for justice. All three survivors played a vital role in a court hearing aimed at securing reparations for those affected by the massacre. Their lawsuit sought to hold the city accountable for its complicity in the tragic events of that fateful day in 1921. While the case was initially dismissed, the Oklahoma Supreme Court made the decision in August to reopen the reparations case, as reported by the Associated Press. This renewed hope for justice keeps the memory of the Tulsa Race Massacre alive.
Furthermore, recent efforts have been underway to uncover more victims of the riot. This endeavor involved the careful exhumation of seven bodies that were believed to correspond with descriptions of massacre victims found in newspapers and historical records from that era. These bodies, each laid to rest in simple wooden caskets, are currently undergoing DNA testing to establish connections with the victims.
The process of identifying these victims is a painstaking but crucial one. Descendants of those affected have willingly provided their DNA samples to assist in this ongoing endeavor. By matching these samples with the remains, we can provide closure to the families who have carried the pain and sorrow of this tragedy through the generations.
The Tulsa Race Massacre, often described as a dark stain on American history, occurred between May 31 and June 1, 1921, when the thriving Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was targeted by a violent white mob. The incident resulted in not only the loss of numerous Black lives but also the destruction of homes and businesses that had prospered within the Greenwood community. Despite the scale of this tragedy, it remained hidden from much of the public consciousness for decades.
It was only through the efforts of survivors like Hughes Van Ellis, Viola Ford Fletcher, and Lessie Benningfield Randle, along with dedicated researchers and historians, that the truth of what happened in Tulsa in 1921 began to emerge. Their courage and determination have played a vital role in ensuring that this dark chapter in American history is acknowledged and remembered.
The survivors and their descendants, along with countless others, have tirelessly advocated for justice and reparations for the descendants of those affected by the massacre. The renewed attention and reopening of the reparations case in Oklahoma provide hope that accountability and acknowledgment will finally be achieved.
As we remember Hughes Van Ellis, we also remember the countless lives that were forever changed by the Tulsa Race Massacre. This painful chapter in history serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued efforts to confront the injustices of the past, to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated, and to provide closure and healing to those who have carried the burden of this tragedy for generations.
The passing of Hughes Van Ellis is a somber moment, but it also serves as a call to action. We must honor his memory and the memories of all those who suffered during the Tulsa Race Massacre by continuing to seek justice, acknowledge the past, and work toward a more equitable future. It is a duty we owe to those who came before us and to the generations yet to come.
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