1921 Tulsa riot survivor dies without receiving reparations
By Mona Austin 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. 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” Viol...