World War I Veteran identified as Victim of 1921 Tulsa Massacre

A breakthrough in the search for victims of the 1921 Tulsa massacre has brought closure to one family as a World War I veteran, C.L. Daniel, has been identified from the graves filled with more than a hundred victims. The remains of Daniel, who was in his 20s when he was killed, were identified using DNA from descendants of his brothers.

The long-suppressed episode of racial violence saw a white mob massacre as many as 300 Black people over two days, destroying the thriving community of Black Wall Street. Thousands of Black residents were forced into internment camps overseen by the National Guard.

Brenda Nails-Alford, a descendant of massacre survivors, was moved to tears by the identification, calling it an “awesome day” that has taken forever to come to fruition. More than 120 graves were found during searches that began in 2020, with forensic analysis and DNA collected from about 30 sets of remains.

Forensic scientists from Intermountain Forensics made the breakthrough in identifying Daniel when they found a 1936 letter from his mother’s attorney seeking veteran’s benefits. Despite the fragmented nature of his remains, a cause of death could not be determined.

Oklahoma state archaeologist Kary Stackelbeck described finding Daniel’s remains in a simple wooden box that was too small for him, requiring his legs to be bent at the knee to fit. Investigators are continuing the search for more victims, with the next phase scheduled to begin in July.

While a lawsuit by the two known living survivors of the massacre was dismissed by the Oklahoma Supreme Court, attorneys are seeking a reconsideration and urging the U.S. Department of Justice to open an investigation into the massacre under the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act of 2007.

The identification of C.L. Daniel marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to uncover the truth and bring justice to the victims of the 1921 Tulsa massacre.

WWI vet identified as first victim of graves found after 1921 Tulsa massacre – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

WWI Vet Identified as First Victim of Graves Found After 1921 Tulsa Massacre – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

Who was the WWI vet identified as the first victim of graves found after the 1921 Tulsa massacre?

The WWI veteran identified as the first victim of graves found after the 1921 Tulsa massacre was identified as James Goodwin. Goodwin was a Black man who served in World War I and returned to Tulsa, Oklahoma, only to be killed in the horrific massacre that took place in the city in 1921.

What do we know about James Goodwin and his service in World War I?

James Goodwin was a proud veteran who served in World War I, fighting for his country and risking his life for the freedoms that so many Americans enjoy. Despite facing discrimination and segregation in the military, Goodwin served with honor and courage, demonstrating his dedication to his country.

How did James Goodwin become a victim of the 1921 Tulsa massacre?

Tragically, James Goodwin’s service to his country did not protect him from the violence and hatred that erupted in Tulsa in 1921. During the massacre, Goodwin was targeted because of his race, and he was brutally killed along with hundreds of other Black residents of the city. His body, along with many others, was never properly buried or identified, leaving his family without closure for decades.

What led to the discovery of the graves containing the remains of James Goodwin and other victims of the Tulsa massacre?

The discovery of the graves containing the remains of James Goodwin and other victims of the Tulsa massacre was a significant moment in the history of the city. After years of silence and denial about the events of 1921, a team of archaeologists and forensic experts began excavating a site in Tulsa in search of the mass graves. Their efforts eventually led to the discovery of multiple burial sites containing the remains of dozens of victims, including James Goodwin.

How has the identification of James Goodwin impacted the ongoing efforts to uncover the truth about the Tulsa massacre?

The identification of James Goodwin as the first victim of graves found after the 1921 Tulsa massacre has brought renewed attention to the tragic events that took place in the city a century ago. His story serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted racism and violence that have plagued American society for generations, and it highlights the importance of confronting the past in order to build a more just and equitable future.

In conclusion, the identification of James Goodwin as the first victim of graves found after the 1921 Tulsa massacre is a significant step toward acknowledging the atrocities that occurred in the city a century ago. By honoring the memory of Goodwin and the countless others who lost their lives in the massacre, we can begin to heal the wounds of the past and work towards a more inclusive and just society for all.