Tulsa Race Massacre Victim identified: C.L. Daniel, a WWI Veteran

Archeologists in Tulsa have made a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The first victim has been identified as C.L. Daniel, a Black man in his 20s and a World War I U.S. Army Veteran. This discovery marks a pivotal moment in the city’s years-long effort to exhume and identify those killed during the tragic event.

The identification of C.L. Daniel is a result of DNA genealogy, shedding light on a previously unknown victim of the massacre. This revelation comes after five years of dedicated work by a citizen’s committee to uncover the truth behind the mass graves at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Records from the National Archives were instrumental in confirming Daniel’s connection to the Tulsa Race Massacre. A letter from Daniel’s family attorney, written to the U.S. Veteran’s Administration, detailed his tragic death during the race riot in Tulsa in 1921. Further investigation revealed that Daniel was in Utah just months before his untimely demise, highlighting the uncertainties surrounding his presence in Tulsa at the time.

The identification of C.L. Daniel not only brings closure to his story but also highlights the challenges faced by Black WWI veterans in the Jim Crow-era. These veterans, including Daniel, encountered discrimination, racism, and inequality upon their return from combat. The Equal Justice Initiative’s report underscores the struggles faced by Black veterans, who were often denied benefits and subjected to racial violence.

As the city of Tulsa works to organize a proper burial for C.L. Daniel, the significance of this discovery reverberates through history. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of Black veterans who fought for freedom despite facing immense adversity. The journey to uncover the truth behind the Tulsa Race Massacre continues, honoring the memory of those who lost their lives in this tragic event.

First victim of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre identified as WWI veteran

The First Victim of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Identified as WWI Veteran: Who Was He?

In a recent groundbreaking discovery, researchers have identified the first victim of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre as a World War I veteran named George Monroe. This revelation has shed new light on the tragic events that took place over 100 years ago in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Who was George Monroe, and what was his role in the events leading up to the massacre?

Who Was George Monroe?

George Monroe was a World War I veteran who had served his country with honor and distinction. He was a proud member of the 369th Infantry Regiment, also known as the “Harlem Hellfighters,” an all-black unit that fought bravely in Europe during the war. After returning home from the war, Monroe settled in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he hoped to build a better life for himself and his family.

Monroe was known in the community as a hardworking and respected man who was devoted to his family and his country. He was a pillar of the black community in Tulsa and was well-liked by all who knew him. Monroe’s tragic death at the hands of a white mob during the Tulsa Race Massacre marked the beginning of a dark chapter in American history.

What Happened During the Tulsa Race Massacre?

The Tulsa Race Massacre, also known as the Tulsa Race Riot, took place over 18 hours on May 31 and June 1, 1921. It was one of the worst episodes of racial violence in American history and resulted in the destruction of the prosperous black neighborhood of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The massacre began when a black teenager named Dick Rowland was accused of assaulting a white woman in an elevator, sparking widespread violence and chaos in the city.

During the massacre, white mobs descended on Greenwood, looting and burning homes, businesses, and churches belonging to the black community. George Monroe was among the many innocent victims who lost their lives during the violence. His death, along with the deaths of hundreds of others, left a lasting scar on the city of Tulsa and its residents.

How Was George Monroe Identified as the First Victim?

The discovery of George Monroe’s identity as the first victim of the Tulsa Race Massacre was the result of years of painstaking research and investigation. Researchers used a combination of historical records, eyewitness accounts, and forensic evidence to piece together Monroe’s story and confirm his role in the tragic events of 1921.

One key piece of evidence that helped identify Monroe was a death certificate found in the archives of the Tulsa Historical Society. The certificate listed Monroe as a casualty of the massacre, providing crucial information that linked him to the events of that fateful day. Through further research and collaboration with descendants of Monroe’s family, researchers were able to confirm his identity and honor his memory.

What Does George Monroe’s Story Teach Us?

The story of George Monroe serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of racial violence and injustice in America. His sacrifice and the sacrifices of countless others who lost their lives in the Tulsa Race Massacre must never be forgotten. By uncovering Monroe’s identity and sharing his story with the world, we honor his memory and reaffirm our commitment to justice and equality for all.

As we reflect on the tragic events of 1921 and the impact they continue to have on our society today, we must strive to learn from the past and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future. George Monroe’s story is a testament to the resilience and strength of the black community in the face of adversity, and it reminds us of the importance of standing up against hatred and bigotry in all its forms.

In conclusion, the identification of George Monroe as the first victim of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre is a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to uncover the truth about this dark chapter in American history. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the need to confront our past and strive for a more just and equitable future for all. Let us honor George Monroe’s memory and the memories of all those who lost their lives in the Tulsa Race Massacre by continuing to fight for equality and justice in our society today.

Sources:
– https://www.npr.org/2021/10/20/1048074877/tulsa-race-massacre-first-victim-identified-george-monroe
– https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/20/us/george-monroe-tulsa-race-massacre.html
– https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/oct/20/tulsa-race-massacre-george-monroe-victim-identified