59 Graves Discovered and 7 Sets of Remains Unearthed in Latest Tulsa Race Massacre Search
In the latest search for victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, 59 graves have been found and seven sets of remains have been exhumed, according to the Oklahoma state archaeologist Kary Stackelbeck. This excavation concluded on Friday and revealed that 57 of the 59 graves were previously unknown and unmarked.
The seven exhumed remains were discovered in simple wooden boxes, consistent with descriptions found in newspaper articles, death certificates, and funeral home records from that time period. These simple boxes were commonly used for burials of massacre victims. However, it is important to note that none of the remains found so far have been confirmed as victims of the massacre.
To further investigate and identify the individuals, the exhumed remains will be transported to an onsite forensic laboratory. There, efforts will be made to identify them and determine the causes of their deaths. Once the forensic analysis is complete and any recoverable DNA is collected, the seven remains will be reburied in their original grave sites. The city of Tulsa has confirmed this in a news release.
In an attempt to aid in the identification process, any recoverable DNA will be sent to Intermountain Forensic in Salt Lake City. This lab has previously helped identify 22 sets of remains from previous searches. The latest excavation, which began on September 5, was the third attempt to find the estimated 75 to 300 Black people who were killed during the violent 1921 massacre in the Greenwood district, more commonly known as Black Wall Street.
During the Tulsa Race Massacre, over 1,000 homes were destroyed or burned, countless businesses were looted and demolished, and an entire thriving Black community was devastated. The search for the remains of its victims is a vital step towards acknowledging and remembering this dark chapter in American history.
While the search for justice and closure continues, three known living survivors of the massacre are currently appealing a recent ruling that dismissed their lawsuit seeking reparations from the city and other defendants for the destruction that occurred in the once-thriving Black district.
The discovery of these graves and the ongoing efforts to identify the remains serve as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and reconciling with the past. The Tulsa Race Massacre was a tragic event that has had long-lasting impacts on the Black community. Understanding and acknowledging this history is crucial to fostering healing, understanding, and progress in our society.
