C.L. Daniel : “Utah Man Uncovered as First Victim of 1921 Tulsa Massacre”

Genetic testing, as defined by the Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences, involves examining DNA and RNA to determine the identity of a victim. Through scientific techniques and analysis of DNA samples, the forensic team at Intermountain Forensics was able to uncover the identity of the victim, named C.L. Daniel, who had previously been unknown.

CEO Karra Porter expressed both honor and shock at being selected for this project, especially when the results revealed that the victim had ties to Ogden, Utah. The discovery of C.L. Daniel’s identity raises questions about why he was in Tulsa at the time of the massacre, adding a layer of complexity to this tragic event.

This breakthrough in genetic genealogy methods has opened the door for the forensic team to continue identifying more victims of the Tulsa race massacre. This process is not only a scientific advancement but also a crucial step in the healing process for families who lost loved ones in this racially motivated crime.

As the team at Intermountain Forensics continues their work, the impact of their discoveries will undoubtedly resonate with communities affected by the Tulsa race massacre. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of forensic science in bringing closure and justice to historical injustices.

Utah man identified as first victim of 1921 Tulsa race massacre

Meet the Utah man whose tragic death marked the beginning of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre. Who was he, and what led to his untimely demise?

### Who was the first victim of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre?
The first victim of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre was a young African American man named Dick Rowland. Rowland was a 19-year-old shoeshiner who worked in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma. His life and death would become a catalyst for one of the most devastating acts of racial violence in American history.

### What led to the tragic death of Dick Rowland?
The tragic events leading to Dick Rowland’s death began on May 30, 1921, when he entered the Drexel Building in downtown Tulsa to use the only restroom available to African Americans. The building was also home to a white-owned business, and the elevator operator, Sarah Page, was a young white woman.

### How did the false accusations against Dick Rowland escalate the situation?
As Rowland entered the elevator, he stumbled, and some accounts suggest he may have accidentally brushed against Sarah Page. Rumors quickly spread throughout Tulsa that Rowland had assaulted Page, leading to his arrest the following day. Despite Page’s refusal to press charges, the damage had been done, and the stage was set for the tragic events that would follow.

### What was the response from the white community in Tulsa?
The false accusations against Dick Rowland fueled racial tensions in Tulsa, and a mob of white residents gathered outside the courthouse where Rowland was being held. As rumors continued to spread, the white mob grew increasingly violent, demanding that Rowland be handed over to them. The situation quickly spiraled out of control, leading to the tragic events that would unfold in the coming days.

### How did the violence escalate into the 1921 Tulsa race massacre?
On the evening of May 31, 1921, a group of armed African American men arrived at the courthouse to protect Dick Rowland from the growing white mob. A confrontation ensued, shots were fired, and chaos erupted in the streets of Tulsa. The violence quickly spread throughout the city, with white residents attacking African American businesses, homes, and churches.

### What were the consequences of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre?
The 1921 Tulsa race massacre resulted in the deaths of hundreds of African Americans and the destruction of the prosperous Greenwood District, also known as “Black Wall Street.” The massacre left thousands of African Americans homeless and traumatized, with many fleeing the city in fear for their lives. Despite the magnitude of the tragedy, the events of the Tulsa race massacre were largely ignored and suppressed in the years that followed.

### How has the legacy of the Tulsa race massacre been remembered and memorialized?
In recent years, efforts have been made to acknowledge and commemorate the victims of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre. The Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission has worked to raise awareness of the tragedy and honor those who lost their lives. In 2021, the 100th anniversary of the massacre, President Joe Biden visited Tulsa to mark the occasion and address the ongoing legacy of racial violence in America.

### Why is it important to remember the events of the Tulsa race massacre?
The events of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre serve as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted racism and violence that have plagued American society for centuries. By remembering the victims of the massacre and acknowledging the injustices they suffered, we can work towards a more just and equitable future for all. It is crucial that we confront the dark chapters of our history to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated.

As we reflect on the tragic events of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, let us honor the memory of Dick Rowland and all those who lost their lives in the violence and destruction that followed. May we never forget the lessons of the past and strive to create a more inclusive and compassionate society for future generations.

For more information on the 1921 Tulsa race massacre and its impact, please visit [History.com](https://www.history.com/news/tulsa-race-massacre-what-happened) and [Tulsa Historical Society & Museum](https://www.tulsahistory.org/exhibit/1921-tulsa-race-massacre/).