The Oklahoma Supreme Court has taken a significant step in addressing the lingering effects of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre by granting the motion to hear oral arguments for the last remaining survivors, Lessie Benningfield ‘Mother’ Randle and Viola Ford “Mother” Fletcher, both aged 109.
This decision marks a pivotal moment in their ongoing Public Nuisance lawsuit, which seeks justice for the horrific events that occurred over a century ago.
Lead counsel Attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons, alongside legal experts from Loyola University Law School and prominent law firms, will present their case in-person to the Supreme Court Justices on April 2, 2024, at 1:30 PM CST.
The presentation will address specific issues, including the reversal of the District Court’s dismissal of the Public Nuisance claim and the Unjust Enrichment claim.
The survivors’ legal team contends that the District Court’s dismissal of the claims was unjust, arguing that they have met the necessary legal standards and deserve the opportunity to seek redress for the atrocities committed during the Tulsa Race Massacre.
The oral arguments will provide a platform for their voices to be heard and for justice to be pursued on behalf of all those affected by this dark chapter in history.
National Civil Rights Attorney Damario Solomon Simmons expressed gratitude for the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s attention to the case and emphasized the importance of swift action in pursuit of justice while the survivors are still alive to witness it.
The oral arguments are scheduled to take place at The Oklahoma Supreme Court in Oklahoma City, with media outlets invited to attend and cover the proceedings.
Interviews with legal representatives and survivors’ advocates can be arranged by contacting Info@JusticeforGreenwood.org.
The Tulsa Race Massacre remains a painful reminder of the deep-rooted racial injustices in American history.
The massacre, which resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives and the destruction of the prosperous Greenwood neighborhood, underscores the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice in the United States.
