Oldest Living Survivor Of The 1921 Tulsa Massacre Violet Fletcher Turns 107

Viola Fletcher/Photo Courtesy of Because Of Them We Can

Violet Fletcher, the oldest known survivor of the horrific 1921 Tulsa Massacre, celebrated her 107th birthday on Wednesday, May 5, People Magazine reported. The Black female matriarch was only seven years old during the racially motivated massacre and is currently suing the city of Tulsa for its role in the traumatic event.

Fletcher was born in Oklahoma but moved to California with her husband Robert Fletcher after getting married in 1932. During World War I, she worked in shipyards as an assistant welder to assist in the war effort. The pair eventually

moved back to Oklahoma and had three children.

According to People, Hughes Van Ellis, a fellow survivor of the massacre and World War II war veteran, is also involved in the lawsuit against Tulsa. He recently celebrated his 100th birthday this past January. Ellis and Fletcher recently visited Tulsa’s infamous Greenwood District and sat down for a panel discussion, raising awareness for the historic event’s centennial recognition.

The massacre allegedly started with an encounter between a Black man and a white woman on a public elevator. Rumors and public speculation began to grow around the incident, and the man was arrested. Soon, a white mob started to form, and on June 1, 2021, they

terrorized Black Tulsans by murdering them, looting Black businesses and setting fires wherever they could.

The mob also targeted the city’s Greenwood District, known for its prestigious Black businesses. Often referred to as “Black Wall Street,” the African-American neighborhood featured Black doctors, dentists, newspaper offices, hospitals, and countless homes. 800 people were treated for their injuries following the Tulsa Massacre, with around 300 people dead.

Due to her young age, Fletcher claims to have few memories of the event but has continued to be a historical activist, bringing awareness to the Tulsa Massacre well into her golden years. According to People, she was involved in an Oklahoma press conference this past week that spoke out against HB 1775, an Oklahoma bill that can

block certain race-related topics.”

Though she officially retired at age 85, it looks like Fletcher’s work is far from done.

Jada Ojii

Jada Ojii is a creative, fun, and witty writer based in Memphis, Tennessee. She has over 6 years of experience as a freelance writer, specializing in entertainment (music, tv, film), black culture, trending news and more.