A World War I Veteran identified as Victim of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

In a groundbreaking discovery, the first person has been identified from the graves of over 100 victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, a tragic event that devastated the city’s black community. The remains of Georgia’s CL Daniel, a World War I veteran who was just 20 years old when he was killed, were identified using DNA from his siblings’ descendants by Intermountain Forensics and Tulsa Mayor GT Bynum.

The identification of Daniel has brought closure to his family after over a century of not knowing his whereabouts. This discovery marks a significant step in the ongoing search for the victims of the massacre, with more than 120 graves found during searches that began in 2020. Forensic analysis and DNA collected from around 30 sets of remains have provided crucial information in the identification process.

The breakthrough in identifying Daniel came when investigators found a 1936 letter from his mother’s attorney applying for veteran’s benefits, which confirmed his presence in the massacre. While the cause of death could not be determined due to fragmented remains, the discovery sheds light on the atrocities committed during the massacre.

The search for victims will continue, with the next phase set to begin on July 22. Despite the challenges faced in identifying the victims, the commitment to uncovering the truth and honoring the memory of those lost remains unwavering.

The identification of CL Daniel serves as a poignant reminder of the deep scars left by the Tulsa Race Massacre and the importance of seeking justice for the victims. As we continue to uncover the truths of the past, we must also strive to ensure that such atrocities are never forgotten and that those responsible are held accountable.

First body in Tulsa mass grave identified as World War I vet

Who was the first body in the Tulsa mass grave identified as?

The first body in the Tulsa mass grave has been identified as a World War I veteran. This identification has brought some closure to the families of those who were killed in one of the deadliest race massacres in American history.

The remains were found in Oaklawn Cemetery in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where a search for mass graves related to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre has been ongoing. The massacre, which took place over two days in May 1921, resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Black residents and the destruction of the prosperous Greenwood District, also known as “Black Wall Street.”

How was the World War I vet identified?

The World War I veteran was identified through DNA testing and genealogical research. The process of identifying the remains involved comparing DNA samples from the body to DNA samples from living descendants of potential victims of the massacre. This meticulous process allowed for a positive identification to be made, providing closure to the family of the veteran.

What does this identification mean for the families of the victims?

For the families of the victims of the Tulsa Race Massacre, the identification of the World War I veteran’s body holds significant meaning. It not only provides closure and a sense of resolution, but also serves as a way to honor and remember the lives lost during this tragic event in American history.

The identification of the first body in the Tulsa mass grave is a step towards acknowledging and reckoning with the dark history of racial violence in the United States. It is a reminder of the ongoing work that needs to be done to address the legacy of systemic racism and injustice that continues to impact communities today.

What steps are being taken to further investigate the mass grave?

The discovery and identification of the first body in the Tulsa mass grave have prompted further investigation into the site. Archaeologists and forensic experts are working diligently to uncover more remains and gather evidence that may shed light on the events of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

Additionally, efforts are being made to preserve the memory of the victims and ensure that their stories are not forgotten. The city of Tulsa has established a Mass Graves Investigation Public Oversight Committee to oversee the investigation and ensure transparency in the process.

How is this discovery significant in the context of American history?

The discovery and identification of the first body in the Tulsa mass grave are significant in the context of American history. The Tulsa Race Massacre is a dark chapter in the nation’s past that has long been overlooked and ignored. The identification of the World War I veteran’s body serves as a reminder of the racial violence and systemic oppression that have plagued the country for centuries.

This discovery also highlights the importance of confronting and addressing the legacies of racism and injustice in the United States. It is a call to action for all Americans to learn from the past, acknowledge the harm that has been done, and work towards building a more just and equitable society for future generations.

In conclusion, the identification of the first body in the Tulsa mass grave as a World War I veteran is a significant step towards uncovering the truth about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. It is a reminder of the lives lost and the communities destroyed during this tragic event, and a call to action to confront the legacy of racial violence in America. As the investigation into the mass grave continues, it is essential that we honor the memory of the victims and work towards a more just and equitable future for all.