June 13th 2024.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court recently made a decision that has caused quite a stir. They dismissed a lawsuit that was filed by the last two survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, Lessie Benningfield Randle and Viola Fletcher. These two brave women took legal action against the city in 2020, seeking justice for the horrific events that occurred during that dark period of history. Unfortunately, a third plaintiff, Hughes Van Ellis, passed away at the age of 102 last year.
The nine-member court upheld the ruling made by a district court judge in Tulsa, who determined that although the plaintiffs' grievances were valid, they did not fall under the scope of Oklahoma's public nuisance statute. In their statement, the court also noted that the allegations made by the plaintiffs were not substantial enough to support a claim for unjust enrichment. This was a heavy blow for the survivors and their families, who were hoping for some form of compensation for the destruction of the Black district of Greenwood, also known as Black Wall Street.
The tragic events of May 31, 1921, are still fresh in the minds of those who lived through them. On that day, a white mob ravaged the homes and businesses of the Black community, resulting in the loss of nearly 300 lives. The survivors were either forced to relocate to internment camps or leave the city altogether. It was a devastating blow to the once-thriving community, and the effects are still felt today.
The plaintiffs had brought their case under Oklahoma's public nuisance law, arguing that the repercussions of the massacre are still being felt in the city. They claimed that the racial tensions and divisions that exist in Tulsa today can be traced back to that fateful day. Furthermore, they argued that the economic disparities that still exist in the region are a direct result of the destruction of Black Wall Street. The loss of property and businesses, compounded by the denial of insurance claims by Black business owners, has had a lasting impact on the community.
One of the plaintiffs, Viola Fletcher, who is now 109 years old, vividly remembers the terror of that day. She shared with CNN her haunting memories of the massacre, stating that the fear still lingers with her to this day. She has continued to live in Tulsa, but the trauma of that event has affected her deeply, making it difficult for her to sleep at night.
The attempted lawsuit brought attention to the tragedy of Black Wall Street and the need for reparations for the survivors and their families. It is a reminder of the lasting effects of racial violence and a call for justice to be served. Despite the setback, the district where the massacre took place, the Greenwood District, has been recognized as a nationally registered historic place. This is a small step towards acknowledging and honoring the lives that were lost and the resilience of the survivors.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
