Mayor requests $995K for final Tulsa Race Massacre grave search

Mayor Monroe Nichols is asking the Tulsa City Council for $995,075 in city funds to support what could be the final excavation tied to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

The request comes as federal funding for the work nears its expiration date and new potential burial sites remain unexplored.

City officials say more work is needed to investigate a section of Oaklawn Cemetery where up to 30 additional unmarked graves may be located.

If approved, the funding would allow for continued excavation and potential identification of victims still unaccounted for.

Previous Story: Oaklawn Cemetery Search Concludes After 47 Exhumations

Progress Made So Far

Over the last several years, the city has conducted multiple excavation phases at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Investigators have uncovered dozens of unmarked graves, including the remains of at least three gunshot victims. One massacre victim has been positively identified through DNA testing.

Related Story: Researchers Positively Identify Victim Of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre At Oaklawn Cemetery

What’s Next in the Investigation?

The proposed funding would focus on one remaining area in the southwest corner of Oaklawn Cemetery. Archaeologists and city teams believe as many as 25 to 30 unmarked graves may still be buried in that section.

City leaders say completing this phase is crucial to honoring the memory of massacre victims and giving families long-overdue answers.

Related Story: Memorial Service Held At Oaklawn Cemetery To Honor Victims Of Tulsa Race Massacre

Funding Decision Ahead

The Tulsa City Council is expected to vote on the funding request in the coming weeks. If approved, the city could begin work on the final excavation at a later date.