Lessie Benningfield Randle, one of the two remaining survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has made a significant statement by casting her absentee ballot for Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. At 109 years old, Benningfield Randle expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to vote for Harris, emphasizing the importance of the future she envisions for her children and grandchildren.
Born in November 1914 and raised in Greenwood, Oklahoma, Benningfield Randle has a deep connection to the historic community known as Black Wall Street. Greenwood was the site of one of the most devastating incidents of racial violence in US history, where hundreds of Black individuals lost their lives and numerous homes, businesses, schools, and churches were destroyed by a White mob.
Reflecting on the tragic events of the Tulsa Race Massacre, Benningfield Randle warned against the resurgence of racial animosity and violence in the country. She urged voters to reject politicians who promote division and hostility, emphasizing the need to protect future generations from the horrors she witnessed in Greenwood.
Joining Benningfield Randle in her commitment to voting for Harris is Viola Fletcher, the other surviving member of the Tulsa Race Massacre at 110 years old. Fletcher plans to cast her ballot in person on Election Day, aligning with the shared belief in Harris's potential to shape a more inclusive and equitable nation.
As these resilient survivors of a dark chapter in American history exercise their right to vote, their actions serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of past injustices and the ongoing struggle for racial justice and unity in the United States.
