Tulsa Confronts Century-Old Racial Divide

As 111-year-old 'Mother' Lessie Benningfield Randle reflects, the city grapples with its painful past.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:39pm

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Tulsa, Oklahoma is facing its long-avoided history of racial injustice and violence, as 111-year-old civil rights icon 'Mother' Lessie Benningfield Randle sits beside an empty chair representing the lives lost in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The city is now working to address this painful chapter and find a path towards healing and reconciliation.

Why it matters

The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre was one of the worst incidents of racial violence in American history, with an estimated 300 Black residents killed and the prosperous Greenwood district, known as 'Black Wall Street', burned to the ground. Tulsa's reluctance to fully reckon with this history has left deep scars, and the city's current efforts to acknowledge the past and work towards repair are seen as an important step in the national reckoning on systemic racism.

The details

In the wake of the 2020 racial justice protests, Tulsa has taken steps to formally recognize the 1921 massacre and its aftermath. This includes the creation of a commission to study the event and make recommendations, as well as plans for a memorial park and museum. 'Mother' Lessie Benningfield Randle, one of the last known survivors, has been a powerful voice calling for the city to confront its history and make amends.

  • The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre occurred on May 31 and June 1, 1921.
  • In 2020, racial justice protests following the murder of George Floyd renewed calls for Tulsa to address its painful past.
  • In 2021, Tulsa established a commission to study the 1921 massacre and make recommendations for the city.

The players

Lessie Benningfield Randle

A 111-year-old civil rights icon and one of the last known survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

The city that is now working to confront its history of racial violence and injustice, including the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

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What they’re saying

“Tulsa can reach the promise of repair, and in doing so, model for the nation how a community can come together to acknowledge, repair, and heal from a history of racial violence.”

— Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister, All Souls Unitarian Church

What’s next

The Tulsa Race Massacre Commission is expected to release its final report and recommendations later this year, which could lead to further actions by the city to address this painful history.

The takeaway

Tulsa's efforts to confront its past and work towards reconciliation and repair serve as an important example for other communities grappling with histories of racial injustice. By acknowledging the trauma of the past and taking concrete steps to make amends, Tulsa has the opportunity to model a path forward for national healing.