The United States is mourning the passing of Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest known survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, who died at the age of 111. Fletcher, affectionately known as “Mother Fletcher,” was a living witness to one of the darkest chapters in American history and spent her life ensuring that the memory of the tragedy was never forgotten.
Born in 1914, Fletcher was just seven years old when white mobs attacked the prosperous Black community of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, known as “Black Wall Street.” Over two days, hundreds of Black residents were killed, homes and businesses were destroyed, and thousands were displaced. Fletcher carried the trauma of that event throughout her life, recounting vivid memories of terror and loss in her memoir and public testimony.
In recent years, Fletcher became a powerful voice for justice. She testified before the U.S. Congress, joined lawsuits seeking reparations, and spoke at commemorations marking the massacre’s centennial. Her advocacy drew national and international attention to the long-lasting impact of racial violence and the need for accountability.
Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols paid tribute to Fletcher, stating: “Today, our city mourns the loss of Mother Viola Fletcher – a survivor of one of the darkest chapters in our city’s history. Fletcher carried 111 years of truth, resilience, and grace and was a reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we must still go.”
Fletcher’s grandson, Ike Howard, confirmed that she passed peacefully in a Tulsa hospital surrounded by family. He described her as someone who “loved life, loved people, and carried a beautiful smile.”
Her death marks the end of a living connection to the massacre, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and courage. Fletcher’s life embodied the struggle for justice and the determination to ensure that the horrors of Greenwood were remembered by future generations.
National leaders, civil rights advocates, and community members across the country have expressed condolences, recognizing Fletcher’s role as a symbol of endurance and truth. Her passing serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of preserving historical memory and continuing the fight against racial injustice.