Tulsa, OK — Oaklawn Cemetery reopened its gates to the public Tuesday as a place of solemn remembrance, following a memorial service that honored the remains found during the 1921 Graves Investigation, a years long search for Tulsa Race Massacre victims.
The emotional gathering saw the unveiling of a new monument that now stands in the cemetery’s southwest corner, dedicated to those recovered and exhumed between 2022 and 2024 as part of Tulsa’s ongoing efforts to bring truth and recognition to the atrocities of the Tulsa Race Massacre.
The ceremony held special significance for the family of C. L. Daniel, the first known Tulsa Race Massacre victim to be positively identified through the investigation.
Members of the Oklahoma National Guard, VFW Post 577, and Booker T. Washington High School’s JROTC honored Daniel, highlighting the reverence for not only him but also the unknown individuals whose identities have yet to be reclaimed.
The family of C. L. Daniel has released a formal letter, available at www.cityoftulsa.org/1921Graves, which provides a personal glimpse into the importance of this historic moment.
Distrust on 1921 Graves Investigation Oversight Board
However, as the investigation advances, lingering concerns over transparency and trust have overshadowed the work of the 1921 Graves Oversight Committee. As previously reported, community members and descendants have expressed deep skepticism toward the city’s commitment to thorough, respectful excavation and identification.
Criticism has centered around the city’s handling of the investigation, with accusations of limited transparency, especially concerning the oversight board’s processes and decisions.
Calls for a more transparent, community-centered approach have become a persistent demand from advocates, who argue that the journey toward justice cannot overlook the very voices it seeks to honor. Families of the victims and local activists have demanded regular updates and greater inclusion in the investigative process, fearing that without rigorous accountability, the very purpose of the investigation risks being diluted.
Oaklawn erects monument in honor of massacre victims
Meanwhile, the city’s commitment to the 1921 Graves Investigation extends beyond this week’s ceremony. DNA and genetic genealogical analyses are still ongoing in hopes of restoring the names and stories of those still unrecognized. With support from the Emmett Till Grant, Tulsa’s Community Engagement Genealogy Project is moving forward, aiming to bring closure to the families affected by the massacre’s long-buried legacy.
Geophysical work remains underway, as researchers continue their exploration across additional areas of Tulsa, searching for more evidence of mass graves tied to the massacre.
In the coming weeks, headstones will be added for each of the found and exhumed remains, marking an enduring tribute to those lost. Although Oaklawn Cemetery may not serve as the final resting place for all individuals identified in the future, the new monument and headstones symbolize a powerful step toward justice, memory, and reconciliation.
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