More unmarked graves of Tulsa Massacre victims unraveled

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
1 Nov 2022 20:38
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The 1921 Tulsa Massacre is an unfortunate event in US history in which hundreds of black residents were killed and more than 1,250 homes were burned.

Archeologists find more unmarked graves of Tulsa Massacre victims.

The Oklahoma State Archeologist reported on Monday that archeologists have found an additional 17 unmarked graves in efforts to search for unidentified victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

The graves were found at an excavation site in the Oaklawn Cemetery.

Over the past two years, the city of Tulsa has been undertaking massive excavation projects in the hope of finding victims of the 1921 massacre, an unfortunate event in US history in which hundreds of Black residents were killed and more than 1,250 homes were burned.

The targeted area, Tulsa’s Greenwood district, once was a thriving Black economic hub, and within the span of one day, it was all destroyed.

The Greenwood Massacre aka Tulsa massacre is a two day event (May 31st - June 1st 1921). During this event 10,000 black residents were left homeless, over 300 died, and black folks lost millions in property damage for real estate and personal property. Our next series coming soon pic.twitter.com/Edid2XjwMv
— Soulrac (@Soulracmusic) October 30, 2022

When the Massacre happened, only 26 death certificates were issued according to the city. Twenty-one of them were reportedly buried in Oaklawn Cemetery.

According to Oklahoma State Archaeologist Kary Stackelbeck, the city began the first excavation last year which resulted in 19 exhumations, then a second excavation began on October 26 during which 16 adult graves were uncovered and one partially exposed grave.

Stackelbeck added that a team of archeologists is underway to carry out hand excavations around the coffins.

A forensics team will be at the site to assist in collecting viable DNA samples.

Back in Tulsa, the search for the unmarked graves of 1921 massacre victims continues. #Tulsa1921 #TulsaMassacre pic.twitter.com/aBRkB0U2l7
— Scott Ellsworth (@ScottEAuthor) October 29, 2022

"We’re trying to do every step of this process as respectfully as possible," Stackelbeck said.

"And so we’re also anticipating having members of the Public Oversight Committee who are going to help us with the process of transporting remains from the excavation area to the forensics lab."

The Public Oversight Committee will be comprised of descendants and Black leaders in the Tulsa community who will provide advice to the City throughout the investigation.

While only a cherished few survivors of the Tulsa Massacre are still alive today, the ubiquitous spirit which once thrived here continues to breathe life into not only its people but into the air itself.https://t.co/NlBD5pgk5F
— The Black Wall Street Times (@TheBWSTimes) October 25, 2022

Stackelbeck further added that a pastor, reverend, or another member of the clergy will also be present when the remains will be transported.

According to the city, the remains that were exhumed in last year's excavation were re-interred.

With the collaboration of several experts, the city hopes to identify victims who are found in unmarked graves and to conduct forensic genetic genealogical analysis.