The ongoing investigation into the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre has uncovered three more victims with gunshot wounds, bringing the total to nearly 50 graves exhumed since the investigation began six years ago. Experts believe as many as 300 people were killed in the massacre, with only 26 death certificates issued in 1921, and 21 victims were reportedly buried in Oaklawn Cemetery.
The recent findings mark the fourth round of excavations at the cemetery, where experts have documented over 190 graves, only five of which had visible headstones before the investigation began. The victims were not identified at a recent news conference but were referred to by their burial numbers. Forensic analysis showed evidence of gunshot wounds on the bodies, with one victim suffering shotgun and bullet wounds, and another shot with different calibers of bullets.
The 1921 Graves Investigation aims to locate, identify, and connect those lost in the massacre over 100 years ago. Four sites were identified as potential areas where victims could be located. A public oversight committee, including descendants of the massacre and leaders in Tulsa’s Black community, was established to ensure transparency and community engagement during the investigation.
The Tulsa Race Massacre was a two-day violent incident where a white mob destroyed the Greenwood business district, known as Black Wall Street, resulting in an estimated 300 deaths. The city of Tulsa has made progress in revitalizing Black Wall Street and reckoning with its violent history, including the development of a plan to ensure social and economic benefits of redevelopment are experienced by Black Tulsans and descendants of the massacre.
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