Oak Lawn Cemetery investigation receives $1 million budget for 2024 excavation efforts

Tulsa's ongoing investigation into the graves of victims from the 1921 race massacre is set to receive a significant boost, with a proposed budget allocation of $1 million for the upcoming fiscal year. This funding aims to continue the excavation and DNA analysis efforts at Oak Lawn Cemetery, where the remains of victims have been uncovered.

During the recent Council Urban & Economic Development Committee meeting, officials provided an update on the progress of the investigation, which has been led by a dedicated team of experts from the University of Oklahoma, the University of Florida, and Intermountain Forensics. The team has focused on identifying and honoring the victims, including CL Daniel, the first identified victim whose family participated in a ceremony last summer.

The proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 includes funding for the excavation of an estimated 28 to 30 additional potential graves in the southwest corner of Oak Lawn Cemetery. The budget also accounts for ongoing DNA analysis and genealogy work related to last year's findings. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that the identities of more victims can be confirmed and their stories honored.

In addition to the local efforts, the meeting touched on the Emmett Till grant, which supports genealogy workshops aimed at connecting families to their ancestors. While there are concerns about the renewal of this federal funding, officials expressed confidence in the continuation of the project.

As the investigation progresses, the city remains committed to uncovering the truth about the past and providing closure to the families affected by this tragic chapter in Tulsa's history. The upcoming work at Oak Lawn Cemetery represents a crucial step in acknowledging and memorializing the victims of the race massacre.