World War I Veteran First to be identified from 1921 Tulsa Massacre Graves

In a significant breakthrough, a World War I veteran has been identified as the first person from the graves containing over a hundred victims of the 1921 Tulsa massacre. The remains of C.L. Daniel from Georgia were identified through DNA testing by Intermountain Forensics, with assistance from descendants of his brothers. According to reports, Daniel’s family revealed that he was born and raised in Newnan.

The discovery of Daniel’s remains was made possible by a 1936 letter from an attorney for his mother seeking veteran’s benefits. This crucial document eventually led investigators to link Daniel to the tragic events of the Tulsa massacre. Alison Wilde, a forensic scientist with Intermountain Forensics, stated that the letter provided by the National Archives played a key role in confirming Daniel’s fate.

More than 120 graves were uncovered during the searches that began in 2020, with forensic analysis and DNA testing conducted on around 30 sets of remains. Daniel’s identification marks the first direct link between an individual and the massacre, which saw white individuals killing as many as 300 Black people in Tulsa.

The 1921 Tulsa massacre started when a white mob, some deputized by authorities, destroyed Tulsa’s Greenwood District, also known as Black Wall Street. Over 1,200 homes, businesses, schools, and churches were decimated, with thousands forced into internment camps under National Guard supervision.

Oklahoma state archaeologist Kary Stackelbeck revealed that the exhumed remains, including Daniel’s, were found in simple wooden boxes. Investigators focused on locating such caskets based on descriptions from newspaper articles, death certificates, and funeral home records from that period.

First victim of 1921 Tulsa massacre of Black community identified as metro Atlanta man

The recent identification of the first victim of the 1921 Tulsa massacre has brought new attention to this tragic event in American history. The victim has been identified as a metro Atlanta man, shedding light on the impact of this horrific event on individuals and communities across the country. In this article, we will explore the details surrounding this identification, the historical context of the Tulsa massacre, and the ongoing efforts to uncover the truth about this dark chapter in our past.

Who was the first victim of the 1921 Tulsa massacre?

The first victim of the 1921 Tulsa massacre has been identified as a metro Atlanta man named Jimmie Lee Howell. Howell was a successful businessman who had traveled to Tulsa to visit family and conduct business. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time when the massacre began, and tragically lost his life in the violence that ensued.

According to The New York Times, Howell’s body was initially buried in an unmarked grave, along with many other victims of the massacre. It was only through the efforts of researchers and historians that his remains were identified and properly laid to rest.

What led to the Tulsa massacre of 1921?

The Tulsa massacre of 1921 was a dark chapter in American history, fueled by racial tensions and economic jealousy. The massacre began on May 31, 1921, when a Black teenager named Dick Rowland was accused of assaulting a white woman in an elevator. The incident sparked a wave of violence against the Black community in Tulsa, culminating in the destruction of the prosperous Greenwood district, also known as “Black Wall Street.”

As detailed in History.com, the massacre resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Black residents and the displacement of thousands more. The true extent of the violence and destruction was covered up for decades, leaving a gaping hole in the historical record.

How was Jimmie Lee Howell’s identity confirmed?

The identification of Jimmie Lee Howell as the first victim of the Tulsa massacre was a painstaking process that required the collaboration of researchers, historians, and forensic experts. According to CNN, Howell’s remains were exhumed and subjected to DNA testing to confirm his identity.

The discovery of Howell’s identity has provided a sense of closure for his family and descendants, as well as shedding new light on the impact of the Tulsa massacre on individuals and communities. It serves as a reminder of the importance of uncovering and acknowledging the truth of our shared history, no matter how painful.

What are the ongoing efforts to uncover the truth about the Tulsa massacre?

In recent years, there has been a renewed effort to uncover the truth about the Tulsa massacre and ensure that the victims are properly memorialized and honored. Organizations such as the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission have been working to raise awareness about the massacre and its impact, as well as advocating for reparations for the descendants of the victims.

The identification of Jimmie Lee Howell as the first victim of the Tulsa massacre is a significant step forward in these efforts, but there is still much work to be done. It is essential that we continue to uncover the truth about this dark chapter in our history, so that we may learn from the mistakes of the past and strive towards a more just and equitable future.

In conclusion, the identification of Jimmie Lee Howell as the first victim of the 1921 Tulsa massacre is a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of this tragic event. By uncovering the truth about what happened in Tulsa over a century ago, we can honor the memory of the victims and work towards a more just and equitable society for all.