Obituary – Death – Cause of Death News : A previously unknown victim of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre has been identified as C. L. Daniel, a 20-year-old World War I Army Veteran. His remains were recently discovered during a search for unmarked graves associated with the massacre, shedding new light on this tragic event in American history.
C. L. Daniel, who hailed from Newnan, Georgia, had no known ties to Tulsa and was last seen in Utah, trying to make his way back home. His identification came through DNA testing and genealogical research, which narrowed down the possibilities to three brothers. Two of them were excluded after the discovery of letters in the National Archives mentioning Daniel’s death in Tulsa during the 1921 massacre.
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Archeologists who examined the burial site noted that Daniel was found in a decayed wooden casket that did not match his size, with his head and feet against the ends and his legs bent. Despite not having any descendants of his own, DNA from a relative of one of his brothers helped confirm his identity.
Now, the decision of what to do with C. L. Daniel’s remains lies with his next of kin. Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum has expressed support for whatever the family decides, whether to leave his remains at Oaklawn Cemetery or to move them to another location.
This discovery serves as a poignant reminder of the countless lives lost and affected by the Tulsa Race Massacre, a dark chapter in American history that is still being unraveled to this day. As we honor the memory of C. L. Daniel and all those who perished in this tragedy, we must also continue to seek justice and healing for the descendants and communities impacted by this devastating event.
Remains Of Tulsa Race Massacre Victim Identified
The recent identification of the remains of a victim from the Tulsa Race Massacre has brought renewed attention to one of the darkest chapters in American history. The victim, believed to be a young African American man, was found in a mass grave in Oaklawn Cemetery in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This discovery has sparked a new wave of interest in the events of May 31 to June 1, 1921, when a white mob descended on the thriving African American community of Greenwood, leaving death and destruction in its wake. In this article, we will delve into the details of this tragic event, explore the significance of the recent discovery, and discuss the ongoing efforts to uncover the full truth of what happened during the Tulsa Race Massacre.
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What was the Tulsa Race Massacre?
The Tulsa Race Massacre, also known as the Tulsa Race Riot, took place over 18 hours from May 31 to June 1, 1921. It was sparked by a confrontation between a young African American man named Dick Rowland and a white elevator operator, Sarah Page, in the Drexel Building in downtown Tulsa. The exact details of what transpired in the elevator are unclear, but Rowland was arrested the next day, and rumors of a potential lynching spread through the city’s newspapers.
As tensions escalated, a white mob gathered outside the courthouse where Rowland was being held, and a group of armed African American men arrived to protect him. Shots were fired, and chaos ensued. The white mob then turned its attention to the prosperous African American neighborhood of Greenwood, which was known as “Black Wall Street” due to its thriving businesses and affluent residents. The mob looted, burned, and destroyed homes, businesses, and churches, leaving an estimated 300 people dead and thousands homeless.
Why is the identification of this victim significant?
The recent identification of the remains of a Tulsa Race Massacre victim is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as a reminder of the horrors of the massacre and the lives lost during those fateful days in 1921. By giving a name and a face to one of the victims, we humanize the tragedy and honor the memory of those who perished.
Additionally, the identification of this victim may help bring closure to their descendants and the broader community. For decades, the true extent of the violence and destruction of the Tulsa Race Massacre was downplayed or ignored. By uncovering the remains of a victim and acknowledging their story, we take a step towards reckoning with this dark chapter in our history.
How were the remains identified?
The remains of the Tulsa Race Massacre victim were identified through a combination of historical research, forensic analysis, and DNA testing. The victim, believed to be a young African American man, was found in a mass grave in Oaklawn Cemetery in Tulsa. Researchers and archaeologists have been working for years to locate and excavate potential burial sites related to the massacre, and this recent discovery is a result of those efforts.
Forensic anthropologists and DNA experts used a combination of physical characteristics, historical records, and genetic testing to identify the victim. By comparing DNA samples from the remains to living descendants of potential victims, they were able to make a positive identification. This breakthrough represents a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to uncover the full truth of what happened during the Tulsa Race Massacre.
What are the ongoing efforts to uncover the truth of the Tulsa Race Massacre?
The identification of the remains of a Tulsa Race Massacre victim is just one part of a broader effort to uncover the full truth of what happened during those fateful days in 1921. In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on the massacre, with historians, activists, and community members working together to uncover hidden stories, document oral histories, and preserve the memory of those who were affected.
One of the key initiatives in this ongoing effort is the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Graves Investigation, led by the 1921 Graves Investigation Public Oversight Committee. This initiative aims to locate and investigate potential mass grave sites related to the massacre, with the goal of identifying victims, preserving evidence, and providing closure to descendants and the community.
Additionally, the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission has been working to raise awareness of the massacre and its legacy through educational programs, public events, and community engagement. By shining a light on this dark chapter in American history, these efforts seek to promote healing, reconciliation, and justice for the victims and their descendants.
In conclusion, the recent identification of the remains of a Tulsa Race Massacre victim is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to uncover the full truth of what happened during one of the darkest moments in American history. By acknowledging the past, honoring the memory of the victims, and working towards reconciliation, we take a step towards healing the wounds of the past and building a more just and equitable future for all.
