Tulsa Race Massacre investigation finds possible common graves

(TULSA, Okla.) The Public Oversight Committee for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Graves Investigation met earlier this week to hear from the physical investigation committee, which includes the Oklahoma Archeological Survey based at the University of Oklahoma, regarding the field work analysis from Oaklawn Cemetery and Newblock Park in Tulsa. Key findings include: Data from two locations, Area 1 at the Canes and the Sexton Area at Oaklawn Cemetery, suggest the possible presence of common graves. Magnetic anomalies suggest unmarked graves may be located in the Original 18 area at Oaklawn Cemetery, south of two headstones of confirmed massacre victims at Oaklawn. The report concludes by stating archaeological testing and excavation is the best way to confirm or refute both that they are: a) common burials; and b) associated with the race massacre. The PowerPoint presentation and results can be viewed at: www.cityoftulsa.org/1921graves Monday’s meeting can also be found on Facebook @CityofTulsaGov The Public Oversight Committee will reconvene on February 3, 5:30 p.m. at Greenwood Cultural Center, 322 N. Greenwood Ave., to further develop next steps of the physical investigation. Three goals were established around the 1921 graves reexamination, including: public oversight, historical context and the physical evidence investigation. For more information on the process, visit: www.cityoftulsa.org/1921graves Click here for the full investigation report: https://www.cityoftulsa.org/media/11899/hammerstedt-and-regnier-2019-searching-for-graves-from-the-1921-tulsa-race-massacre-oasrs-5.pdf