Remembering The Extraordinary Life Of Viola Ford Fletcher
Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, has passed away at 111 years old.
Her grandson, Ike Howard, confirmed her peaceful transition and said she left this world with a beautiful smile on her face.
As someone who cherished life, loved people, and carried more history in her heart than most of us could imagine, Mother Fletcher’s passing marks the end of an era none of us will forget.
For years, Viola Ford Fletcher bravely shared her story with the world while fighting for the justice she and her community were long denied.
Her voice carried the trauma, truth, and triumph of a people who endured one of the darkest chapters in American history.
The Legacy Of Viola Ford Fletcher
Mother Fletcher lived through a moment that changed Black history forever.
On May 31, 1921, a White mob destroyed Tulsa’s Greenwood District, known as Black Wall Street, wiping out homes, hospitals, schools, businesses, and thousands of dreams within 16 hours.
She spent her lifetime remembering the screams, the flames, and the fear that never quite left her.
As a fierce advocate for accountability, Viola Ford Fletcher shared her testimony with CNN and other outlets many times.
She stood alongside fellow survivors, including her brother Hughes Van Ellis and her longtime friend Lessie Benningfield Randle, to demand reparations and recognition for the devastating losses Greenwood suffered.
Even at her age, she never stopped pushing for change.
Her powerful interviews, her lawsuit for restitution, and her resilience pushed the Tulsa Race Massacre back into national conversation and forced America to confront a truth it long tried to bury.
A Community Mourns And Reflects
With Viola Ford Fletcher now gone, Lessie Benningfield Randle, also 111, remains the only living survivor of the massacre.
Their connection ran deep.
Randle’s granddaughter shared that she sent her love to the Fletcher family in Mother Fletcher’s final days, a testament to their lifelong bond.
Mother Fletcher’s passing leaves a void for many.
People who knew her described the loss as deeply personal, like losing a grandmother of their own.
Her grace touched generations, and her presence alone reminded us of the strength that blooms from survival.
Justice Still Unfinished
Even in her final years, Viola Ford Fletcher continued to witness setbacks in the fight for justice.
In 2024, the Oklahoma Supreme Court dismissed the lawsuit survivors filed seeking compensation for the devastation of 1921.
Federal investigations also revealed there were no remaining avenues for criminal charges.
While Tulsa officials have since proposed a private trust exceeding 100 million dollars to invest in Greenwood’s future, the plan does not include direct payments to survivors or their families.
The debate and the fight continue, but so does Mother Fletcher’s legacy.
Honoring Viola Ford Fletcher’s Legacy
Viola Ford Fletcher lived a life that teaches all of us about courage, memory, and the fight for what is right.
I hope her story continues to inspire action, accountability, and healing for Greenwood and beyond.
I extended my love, prayers, and sincerest condolences to everyone who knew, loved, and cherished Ms. Fletcher.
Drop down in the comments to share your thoughts, reflections, and tributes, and be sure to share this story with someone who needs to know it.
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