1921 Tulsa riot survivor dies without receiving reparations

By Mona Austin

BACKGROUND:  In this reprint we remember a survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. The two-day clash between Black and White Tulsans became known as the Black Wallstreet Massacre that was prompted by a sensationalized report of a Black boy raping a White girl. Mr. Hughes Van Ellis was a baby when it happened but survived the White supremacist attack and spent years of his life telling the story and seeking reparation.  With the anniversary of the riot upon us, we continue to pay our respect to the late reparations activist. AS Black history is erased in some schools in the country it is imperative that we keep a record of great Black Americans who are now resting with the ancestors.

Hughes Van Ellis, lived through some of the most turbulent times in American history for over a century. The Tulsa Race Riot survivor and his sister Viola Fletcher who was also one of the last survivors, came to the US Congress in 2021 during the centennial of the attack seeking reparations for the devastation of their community that had a long-term affect on theirs and many other lives. A World War II veteran, "Uncle Redd" as Van Ellis was known among loved ones has passed away at 102, having faithfully fought for financial atonement for a lifetime.

Mr. Van Ellis died in Denver, CO on Monday, October 9, 2023.

Despite being a newborn in 1921, the year the Greenwood area was attacked, Van Ellis felt the resulting impact of the racist white mob bombing their community as his family struggled afterwards. Born on Jan 11, he was almost 6 months old when the massacre unfolded on June 1, leaving 300 people dead. He aligned with the two other survivors -- “Mother” Viola Ford Fletcher, 109, and “Mother” Lessie Benningfield Randle, who will turn 109 on November 10 -- to seek justice for the pain and suffering endured.

Fighting for justice until the end, on October 5 he submitted a statement to be read during a hearing regarding updates to previous reparations proposals.

“We aren’t just black and white pictures on a screen. We are flesh and blood. I was there when it happened. I’m still here. My sister was there when it happened, and she’s still here. I still believe in America. We are one. We are one,” said Mt. Van Ellis.

His remarks significant against a backdrop of the erasure of Black history being taught in American schools and the banning of books that address racial atrocities. Last year on his birthday he said he wanted cake and justice for reparations.

Oklahoma state Representative Regina Goodwin, a Greenwood descendant, shared the news of his passing in a statement on behalf of the family:

“Mr. Hughes Van Ellis, 102, passed Mon. Oct. 9th at 11:30 am in Denver, Colorado. A loving family man, he was known as “Uncle Redd”. He was among the three last known survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the most horrific acts of racist terrorism on American soil.

A WWIl , war veteran, Mr. Ellis, bravely served America, even as he spent a lifetime awaiting atonement related to the Tulsa Race Massacre. Mr. Ellis was aware survivors, his sister Mrs. Viola Ford Fletcher, 109, Mrs. Lessie Benningfield Randle, 108, and family descendants were recently at our state capitol interim study focused on 2001 state commissioned reparation recommendations.

Two days ago, Mr. Ellis, urged us to keep fighting for justice. In the midst of his death, there remains an undying sense of right and wrong. Mr. Ellis was assured we would remain steadfast and we repeated to him, his own words, “ We Are One” and we lastly expressed our love.

The scripture of Jeremiah 6 reads, ‘This is what the Lord says: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’

We celebrate the rare life of Mr. Hughes Van Ellis who inspires us still!”

By his dignified example, the memory of Hughes Van Ellis will live on to inspire generations to value and respect the humanity of Black life. 

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