She's an honorable elder!
Centenarian Viola "Mother" Fletcher enough experience to fill a library. She has seen two world wars, lived through two global pandemics, and is one of the last survivors of the Tulsa massacre. Today for her 107th birthday, public figures and celebrities are honoring her with a video tribute.
‘You are touching generations not yet born.’ — Celebs and public figures are honoring Mother Viola Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the Tulsa Massacre, for her 107th birthday
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) May 10, 2021
via @BWSLegacyFest
Learn more: https://t.co/MPTPluQcp7 pic.twitter.com/ijs8lKNB4Y
The World War II veteran who "worked in the Cals-Ships Shipyard and was an assistant welder in the shop yard" isn't a stranger to big birthdays. Last year her family threw her a socially distanced parade.
“My grandmother’s been my rock,” her grandson Ike Howard who drove from California to Oklahoma, told reporters last year.
Her granddaughter-in-law, Megan Crumpton, said her life is like a history book.
“Living history. National treasure. Superwoman. I just can’t imagine some of the things she’s had to endure in life.”
As a Tulsa survivor she has pushed for reparations from the City of Tulsa, and others are lending their voices in support.
The Black Wall Street Legacy Festival is the only community-led series that centers the survivors and descendants of the...
Posted by The Black Wall Street Times on Monday, May 10, 2021
The internet joined in their support of Mother Fletcher for her birthday.
"Your life is not just a testament to Black people, but in particular to Black women ... I am a soldier in the army to help make sure you and your family get justice." — @TiffanyDCross wishing a happy 107th birthday to Viola Fletcher (1/2) pic.twitter.com/fF6f2ZEzzH
— Black Wall Street Legacy Fest (@BWSLegacyFest) May 10, 2021
Happy birthday, Mother Fletcher! Today, Viola Fletcher turns 107 years old. She is one of only three living survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre—and still fighting for justice to this day. (1/2) https://t.co/d14TdQRIPO
— Adina Ellis Cato (@ihsana76) May 10, 2021
Mother Fletcher, one of the last living survivors of the Tulsa massacre turns 107 today. She is a living testimony to the debt this country owes to those harmed by systemic racism.
— Nina Turner (@ninaturner) May 10, 2021
Her fight is our fight - and reminds us that true justice in this county must include reparations. https://t.co/1BC9kI43xv
Happy 107th Birthday Viola. I'm glad that you are here to be a living testimony to the truth of our people's potential and a rebuke to the ongoing racist propaganda that resentfully tries to downplay, destroy and cover it up. https://t.co/i3Su54WQOO
— Shoutout13 (@shoutout13tweet) May 10, 2021
#reparations now for Greenwood survivors and descendants. One true story of many that demand #RestorativeJustice. #breathewithme #ustrht https://t.co/8Qt2i63Vh3
— #breathewithme Revolution (@BreatheRev) May 10, 2021
“Everybody, get here to Tulsa and help us honor ALL of the survivors and descendants that have clawed through some of the worst times in our nation’s history. Mother Viola Fletcher, we love you, we appreciate you, and again, happy birthday.” — Dr. @TiffanyCrutcher (1/2) pic.twitter.com/RheWbmqa1D
— Black Wall Street Legacy Fest (@BWSLegacyFest) May 10, 2021
If you do one thing today, please watch this beautiful birthday tribute to Mother Viola Fletcher, one of three known living survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Mother Fletcher is 107 today! She must see justice & #reparations while she is still alive & with us. 🖤 https://t.co/Oz0PtTD67i
— Dreisen Heath (@dreisenheath) May 10, 2021
Happy 107th Birthday to Mother Viola Fletcher!!! 🎈🥳🎈 She was only 7 years old when she had to flee from the Tulsa Race...
Posted by Zuri Lee on Monday, May 10, 2021
Thank you Mother Fletcher for sharing your history with us. We are wishing you another year of joy and blessings!
Photo Credit: Examiner-Enterprise