Tulsa Massacre Survivor Will Visit Chicago
The 111-year-old plans a trip to the Obama Presidential Center where she will accept a humanitarian award.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in African-American
Lessie Benningfield Randle, the last living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, will travel to Chicago. A community fundraiser is supporting the trip, which includes a visit to the Obama Presidential Center and an upcoming humanitarian award presentation.
Why it matters
The trip reflects the personal wishes of a historic figure who has expressed a desire to travel and engage with the public. Her journey highlights the ongoing legacy and memory of the 1921 tragedy in Tulsa.
Lessie Benningfield Randle is 111 years old and remains the final survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Her upcoming trip to Chicago is being facilitated through a community-led fundraiser.
The players
Lessie Benningfield Randle
She is the last living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and a prominent figure in efforts to preserve the history of the event.
The details
Randle has stated a desire to travel outside of her home, prompting a fundraising effort to cover the expenses of her journey. During her time in Chicago, she is scheduled to receive a humanitarian award and visit the Obama Presidential Center.
Timeline
1921: The year the Tulsa Race Massacre occurred.
Culture Shift
This trip highlights the cultural importance of honoring the last living witnesses to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. It reflects a broader societal trend of prioritizing the stories and recognition of historical survivors while they remain with us.
Residents of Tulsa can participate in the ongoing fundraising efforts organized to support the travel and humanitarian goals of the city's oldest living massacre survivor. The initiative provides a tangible way for the community to honor her legacy through direct financial assistance.
The takeaway
Supporting the personal travel goals of historical survivors provides a meaningful way for communities to engage with living history. Prioritizing these experiences ensures that the voices of those who lived through defining national events remain central to our collective memory.
Further reading
For more context on local history, visit our African-American section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Tennessee Tribune.
