Mayor Monroe Nichols has formally requested $995,075 from the Tulsa City Council to fund what is anticipated to be the final excavation phase at Oaklawn Cemetery, a site central to the ongoing investigation into the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
This funding would support the exploration of a specific area in the cemetery’s southwest corner, where archaeologists believe up to 30 unmarked graves may still be located.
The request comes as federal funding for the work nears its expiration date. City officials emphasize the importance of completing this phase to honor the memory of massacre victims and provide closure to affected families.
Progress to Date
Over the past several years, multiple excavation phases at Oaklawn Cemetery have uncovered dozens of unmarked graves. Among these, the remains of at least three individuals showed evidence of gunshot wounds, and one victim, C.L. Daniel, a World War I veteran, has been positively identified through DNA testing.
Historical Context
The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre resulted in the destruction of the Greenwood District, known as “Black Wall Street,” and the deaths of an estimated 75 to 300 Black residents. The massacre left a lasting impact on the community, and efforts like the Oaklawn Cemetery excavations are part of the broader endeavor to acknowledge and address this painful chapter in Tulsa’s history.
Next Steps
The Tulsa City Council is expected to deliberate on this funding request in the coming weeks. If approved, the city could begin work on the final excavation at a later date.
