photo courtesy of AP
“Mother” Lessie Benningfield Randle, one of the last surviving victims of the Tulsa Race Massacre, turned 108 on November 10. According to The Black Wall Street Times, the other survivors of the 1921 incident are “Mother” Viola Ford Fletcher and her brother “Uncle” Hughes Van Ellis. Members of the activism community wished her a happy birthday.
Kristy Williams, a prominent member of Tulsa’s African American Affairs Commission, posted a message to Facebook for Randle.
“Here’s to 108 times around the sun,” Williams wrote. “Mother Randle, enjoy your special day! 108 years old!!! I can only pray to be so blessed! Happy Birthday, Beautiful!”
Dr. Tiffany Crutcher, Executive Director of the Terence Crutcher Foundation, also offered her well wishes, posting, “Help me wish Tulsa Race Massacre Survivor, Mother Lessie B. Randle, a Happy 108th Birthday! She is a living legend! We love you, Mother!”
Attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons, one who finds himself working closely through activism work in the form of restitution claims, said, “Today is special. Mother Randle—one of the three last-living survivors of the #TulsaRaceMassacre—is 108 years old. While each year is a blessing, every day that passes without any JUSTICE is a reminder of the failed system that still exists today. Drop a [rose] to wish her hbd,”
Randle’s birthday falls amid a heated lawsuit with the city of Tulsa, requesting responsibility from them and the others involved in the tragedy. Attorney Simmons is responsible for representing the survivors to try and help them get justice for the Tulsa Race Massacre. The incident occurred when an Oklahoma mob ran through the predominantly Black Greenwood District, setting fires and killing over 300 innocent Black residents.