The DA RTF expressed sadness and anger over the passing of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre survivor Hughes Van Ellis. They highlighted the lack of accountability and repair for the massacre. The full statement can be read on the Democrats Abroad Reparations Task Force’s Twitter page. The hashtags #JusticeForGreenwood and #ReparationsNow were also included in the statement..
The DA RTF was saddened and angered to hear of the passing this week of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre survivor #HughesVanEllis – without accountability or repair.
Read the full RTF statement: https://t.co/K8S02UMUbH#JusticeForGreenwood #ReparationsNow
— Democrats Abroad Reparations Task Force (@DAReparations) October 11, 2023
Obituary – Death News : The news of the passing of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre survivor #HughesVanEllis has deeply saddened and angered the DA RTF (Democrats Abroad Reparations Task Force). This week, the world lost a remarkable individual who carried the weight of history and the scars of an unimaginable tragedy without ever witnessing true accountability or repair.
Hughes Van Ellis was a living testament to the resilience and strength of the Greenwood community, which was decimated during the racially motivated massacre that took place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, over a century ago. Born in the wake of this horrific event, Van Ellis grew up amidst the ruins and the painful memories of a community shattered by hatred and violence.
Despite the immense adversity he faced, Van Ellis emerged as a symbol of hope and perseverance, dedicating his life to seeking justice for the victims and survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre. He tirelessly advocated for accountability, reparations, and the acknowledgement of the atrocities committed against the Black community in Greenwood.
Beyond his advocacy work, Van Ellis was a cherished member of his community. Known for his warm smile, compassionate heart, and unwavering spirit, he touched the lives of many with his wisdom and unwavering resolve. His legacy will forever be intertwined with the fight for justice and the pursuit of healing in Greenwood.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Hughes Van Ellis, a living link to a painful past that continues to shape our present. As we mourn his loss, we must also recognize the urgency of the work that remains unfinished. The fight for justice for Greenwood, for reparations, and for the healing of a community scarred by a century of racial injustice must carry on in his memory.
Our deepest condolences go out to the friends, family, and loved ones of Hughes Van Ellis. May his indomitable spirit inspire us all to continue the struggle for a more just and equitable society. May his memory be a guiding light as we strive to dismantle systems of oppression and ensure that the horrors of the Tulsa Race Massacre are never forgotten.
Tributes
This is the way people responded to this story on social media.
@DAReparations wrote
The DA RTF was saddened and angered to hear of the passing this week of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre survivor #HughesVanEllis – without accountability or repair. Read the full RTF statement: democratsabroad.org/rtf_hughes_van… #JusticeForGreenwood #ReparationsNow