In a significant legal decision, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled in favor of the City of Tulsa regarding a reparations lawsuit tied to the Tulsa Race Massacre. This lawsuit, brought by survivors including Viola Fletcher and Lessie Benningfield Randle, sought reparations for the devastation caused to the Greenwood community in 1921.

Jun 17, 2024

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Court’s Decision and Reactions

The State Supreme Court upheld a previous dismissal by a Tulsa County judge, stating that the plaintiffs’ claims did not fit within the state’s public nuisance statute. The justices also ruled against claims of unjust enrichment and unauthorized use of likeness, leading to disappointment and anger among advocates and survivors alike.

State Representative Regina Goodwin expressed strong dissatisfaction, emphasizing the emotional toll of the decision on the survivors and their families. She criticized the court for what she described as a dismissal not just of legal claims but of the victims’ humanity and the historical trauma endured by the community over the past century.

Legal and Community Response

The legal team representing the survivors immediately petitioned for a rehearing, citing the urgency due to the advanced age of the survivors, with Viola Fletcher at 110 years and Lessie Benningfield Randle at 109 years. They also called upon the federal government to intervene, invoking the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act of 2007 to initiate a federal investigation into the massacre.

Kuma Roberts, Executive Director of the Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce, condemned the ruling as a grave injustice, emphasizing the massacre’s impact on the Black community and the ongoing need for restitution and recognition. The dismissal, she argued, perpetuates a historical pattern of systemic racial injustice.

City of Tulsa’s Response and Future Steps

In response to the court’s decision, the City of Tulsa expressed respect for the ruling while acknowledging the ongoing work needed in North Tulsa and Greenwood communities. They highlighted initiatives such as economic development projects and the Greenwood Master Plan as efforts to support community growth and healing.

Calls for Justice and Conclusion

Despite setbacks in the state court system, advocates remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice for the Tulsa Race Massacre survivors. The call for federal intervention underscores the broader implications of historical injustices and the enduring quest for accountability and reparations.

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