TULSA, Okla. — A lawsuit seeking compensation for the last three survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre was dismissed Friday, according to the case's online docket.
Viola Fletcher, Lessie Bennifield Randle, and Hughes Van Ellis were suing the city of Tulsa and other entities, saying they were responsible for the massacre that caused a continued public nuisance.
In Judge Caroline Wall's order, she said the defendant's motion to dismiss was granted, and the case was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it can't be filed again.
She went on to say she finds any further amendment of the lawsuit futile.
2 News Oklahoma reached out to Mayor G.T. Bynum for his response to the judge's decision:
The City of Tulsa has yet to receive the opinion and full order, but can confirm we did receive the minute order in this case. The City remains committed to finding the graves of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre victims, fostering economic investment in the Greenwood District, educating future generations about the worst event in our community’s history, and building a city where every person has an equal opportunity for a great life.
The legal team for the surviving three and Justice for Greenwood held a press conference Monday after the judge's decision. The lawyers echo each other with the message of hope. "This is not over," they said.
Led by Senior Attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons the conference spoke of injustice and generational trauma. Solomon Simmons said, "It seems every time black people seek justice in this nation, the goalpost is moved."
They shared their disappointment with the decision and frustration over the way the information was handed to them through a reporter.
The lawyers are ready to appeal the decision taking the case to as many courts as they need.
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