TULSA, Okla. — In a memorial service held on Tuesday at Oaklawn Cemetery in Tulsa, a World War I veteran, C.L. Daniel, was honored after his remains were identified earlier this year during an investigation into the devastating Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921.

C.L. Daniel stands out as the first victim of the massacre to be recognized among the remains found in a mass grave within the city. In remembrance, a gravestone with Daniel’s name has been placed at the cemetery, accompanied by a monument dedicated to the other victims of this tragic event.

The events of May 31 and June 1, 1921, witnessed a horrifying episode where a white mob attacked the Greenwood district—a flourishing Black community in Tulsa—engaging in looting and arson. This incident is recognized as one of the most severe acts of racial violence in American history, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 300 Black individuals. The destruction included more than 1,200 properties such as homes, schools, businesses, and churches, leaving a significant number of residents herded into internment camps under the watch of the National Guard.

In a statement from Daniel’s family, they emphasized the importance of this day, noting it serves as more than just a tribute to C.L. Daniel and those whose graves remain unidentified. It also marks a much-anticipated recognition of the lives affected by the massacre, showcasing the enduring strength of the Greenwood community that has fought for acknowledgment and justice for their lost relatives over many years.

City officials have indicated that efforts are ongoing to analyze the genetic material and DNA of other unidentified remains found in Tulsa, as part of the broader investigation to honor the victims of this historical tragedy.

Additionally, in September, the U.S. Department of Justice declared that they would conduct a civil rights review concerning the massacre. This investigation aims to publish a report outlining their conclusions by the year’s end, adding another layer to the ongoing quest for justice regarding the events that took place over a century ago.