Obituary – Death – Cause of Death News :

Three More Sets of Tulsa Race Massacre Victims Found

The latest search for the remains of victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre has concluded with a shocking discovery – three more sets containing gunshot wounds. According to investigators, these remains were among 11 sets that were exhumed during the latest excavation in Oaklawn Cemetery.

State archaeologist Kary Stackelbeck revealed that two of the gunshot victims showed evidence of munitions from two different weapons, while the third victim displayed evidence of burning. Forensic anthropologist Phoebe Stubblefield will be examining these remains on-site, with one victim suffering from both bullet and shotgun wounds, and the other being shot with two different caliber bullets.

The search for these victims focuses on finding simple wooden caskets, as they were described in historical documents as the type used for burying massacre victims. Once exhumed, the remains will be sent to Intermountain Forensics in Salt Lake City for DNA and genealogical testing in an effort to identify them.

This recent discovery comes just over a month after the first identification of remains from the massacre victims. The search, which is the fourth since Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum launched the project in 2018, has now resulted in the exhumation of 47 sets of remains.

Bynum, who is not seeking reelection, expressed his hope that the search for victims will continue, emphasizing the importance of bringing justice to those who were murdered and hidden over a century ago. Investigators are currently mapping the graves to determine if additional searches should be conducted, building on the data gathered from previous phases of the investigation.

Descendant of massacre survivors, Brenda Nails-Alford, praised Bynum’s efforts and expressed her gratitude for the ongoing search for victim’s remains. She hopes that these efforts will bring more justice and healing to the families affected by this tragic event.

Earlier this month, Bynum and City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper announced the formation of a new committee to study possible reparations for survivors and descendants of the massacre, as well as for the area of north Tulsa where it occurred.

The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre was a long-suppressed episode of racial violence that decimated the thriving community known as Black Wall Street, resulting in the deaths of as many as 300 Black people and the destruction of over 1,200 homes, businesses, schools, and churches. The search for the victims continues to shed light on this dark chapter in American history, bringing closure and justice to those who were affected.

The recent search for victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre has come to a heartbreaking conclusion, with three more bodies discovered, all with gunshot wounds. This tragic event, which took place over a century ago, continues to haunt the city of Tulsa and the descendants of those who lost their lives. The discovery of these additional victims sheds new light on the brutality of the massacre and serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated racial tensions that have plagued our country for generations.

### Who were the victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre?

The victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre were primarily African American residents of the Greenwood District, also known as “Black Wall Street.” This thriving community was a hub of Black entrepreneurship and culture, but it was destroyed in a violent attack by a white mob on May 31st and June 1st, 1921. The exact number of victims is still unknown, but estimates range from 100 to 300 people killed and thousands more injured.

### What led to the discovery of these additional victims?

The search for additional victims of the Tulsa Race Massacre was prompted by a renewed interest in the event, sparked by the centennial anniversary in 2021. In October of that year, a team of archaeologists began excavating a potential mass grave site in Tulsa’s Oaklawn Cemetery. The discovery of three more bodies with gunshot wounds has added a chilling new chapter to the story of this horrific event.

### How were the victims identified?

The victims found in the recent search were identified through a combination of forensic analysis, historical records, and DNA testing. The process of identifying the victims is complex and time-consuming, but it is essential for providing closure to the families of those who lost their lives in the massacre. By giving these victims names and stories, we honor their memory and acknowledge the injustice of their untimely deaths.

### What impact does this discovery have on the descendants of the victims?

For the descendants of the victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, the discovery of these additional bodies is both a moment of sorrow and a moment of reckoning. It serves as a painful reminder of the trauma that has been passed down through generations and the ongoing struggle for justice and reparations. The descendants of the victims deserve closure and recognition for the suffering that their families endured, and this discovery brings us one step closer to achieving that goal.

The search for the victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre is a somber reminder of the dark chapters in our nation’s history. It is a testament to the resilience and strength of the Black community in the face of unspeakable violence and oppression. As we continue to uncover the truth about this tragic event, we must also work towards healing the wounds of the past and building a more just and equitable future for all Americans.

In conclusion, the discovery of three more victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre with gunshot wounds is a heartbreaking development that underscores the need for greater awareness and acknowledgment of this dark chapter in American history. The search for the victims is a vital step towards achieving justice and reconciliation for the descendants of those who lost their lives in this horrific event. As we honor the memory of the victims and strive to learn from the mistakes of the past, we must also work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for future generations.