Life
Tulsa Race massacre survivors officially granted Ghanaian citizenship
By Stacy M. Brown
Viola Fletcher, a 108-year-old survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has become a Ghanaian citizen alongside her 101-year-old brother, Hughes Van Ellis.
The historic event took place on Tuesday, February 28, at Ghana’s embassy in Washington, where Fletcher and Ellis were formally sworn in as citizens of Ghana.
The ceremony was marked by lively music from African musicians and the energetic dancing of young children. It marked the first time that anyone had been sworn in as a citizen at the Ghana Embassy.
“I’m so grateful to all. I thank you so much for this honor,” Fletcher, known as Mother Fletcher, said before signing her citizenship papers.
Her brother echoed Fletcher.
“I’m so thankful to Ghana, and all of you,” Ellis, known as Uncle Red, asserted.