Credit: National Archives
As the 103rd anniversary of the tragic 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre approaches, the City of Tulsa's quest to identify victims and connect with their relatives is gaining momentum.
The City of Tulsa has partnered with Intermountain Forensics, a nonprofit DNA laboratory assisting in identifying victims. A number of massacre victims were buried in unmarked graves. As part of an important effort to identify victims, the city exhumed a number of bodies in the summer of 2021.
The City of Tulsa and Intermountain Forensics are asking for help from anyone with information regarding stories, records, and more, especially those who had family members in Tulsa in 1921.
On June 1, 1921, it is estimated that hundreds of Black residents and businesspersons in the Greenwood District of Tulsa were slain in one of the worst single-incident acts of racial violence in United States history. More than 1,200 homes were burned, and nearly all of the businesses in the thriving "Black Wall Street" were destroyed.
The City of Tulsa’s 1921 Graves Investigation project seeks to identify human remains found in Oaklawn cemetery through the use of Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG). The Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) process involves comparison of DNA profiles from the Oaklawn remains to members of the public who have previously taken consumer DNA tests and uploaded them to the publicly available genealogy DNA databases GEDmatch and/or Family Tree DNA.
Intermountain Forensics’ efforts in the 1921 Tulsa Graves Project have led to groundbreaking progress in these genetic genealogy investigations. Utilizing state-of-the-art DNA sequencing technology and advanced genealogical methods, they have successfully constructed detailed genetic profiles from the remains exhumed at Oaklawn Cemetery. These profiles are compared against authorized DNA databases, allowing them to trace familial connections and progressively narrow down potential placement within a family group. This methodical approach has enabled them to update critical information and refine the search, bringing them closer and closer to definitive identifications.
Their recent work has also led to the generation of two additional genealogy profiles from the exhumed burials. One profile now includes associated surnames and locations of interest, while the other is nearing a similar release of information. They encourage anyone with these surnames or locations in their family history to contribute to this ongoing investigation by providing information.
The most up-to-date information regarding progress and names/locations of interest can be found here:
www.cityoftulsa.org/government/mayor-of-tulsa/1921-graves-investigation/genealogy-process/.
DNA comparisons from key individuals related to specific burials could lead to identifications quite quickly. The crucial role that the closest living family members play in this process cannot be overstated. Their contributions are vital to the progress and success of this project.
Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum expressed his gratitude for the experts and public participants driving this project forward. "Six years ago, we wanted descendants and the community to have more answers, and today we are one step closer on the identification side," said Mayor Bynum. "I feel a great sense of responsibility to follow through on what we promised, and I’m eager for the process to continue."
Director of Laboratory Development, Danny Hellwig, echoed this sentiment: "All of us at Intermountain Forensics are both humbled and honored to contribute to such a pivotal initiative. The assistance from the public has been invaluable, and continued support of family stories and DNA comparisons will be crucial as we move forward in this historic work."
Republished courtesy of Intermountain Forensics and the City of Tulsa.