OKLAHOMA CITY — The state of Oklahoma says it will not discuss a settlement with remaining survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre who continue seeking reparations for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, which a Tulsa County judge’s dismissed the case last month.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court, however, said it will consider an appeal filed by the survivors.
The state attorney general’s litigation division filed a response on Monday.
There are three known survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre still living; Lessie Benningfield Randle, Viola Fletcher, and Hughes Van Ellis, who are all over the age of 100. The three sued the city of Oklahoma seeking reparations after the once-thriving Black business district known as Greenwood was violently set ablaze, leaving hundreds dead and injured. The massacre was one of the most violent, racist attacks on Blacks in U.S. history.
In a statement to the Associated Press, Damario Solomon-Simmons, an attorney who represents the survivors, said the survivors will continue to pursue justice in Oklahoma, the AP reported.
“It’s no surprise that the state, which took part in a lawless massacre of American citizens, has refused to settle,” Solomon-Simmons said in the statement.
“The survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre are heroes, and Oklahoma has had 102 years to do right by them,” he added. “The state’s efforts to gaslight the living survivors, whitewash history, and move the goal posts for everyone seeking justice in Oklahoma puts all of us in danger, and that is why we need the Oklahoma Supreme Court to apply the rule of law.”
More about the lawsuit and the Tulsa Race Massacre can be found here.
