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City seeks $1 million to complete Oak Lawn race-massacre graves work and DNA/genealogy follow-up
Summary
Mayor’s proposed FY26 budget includes $1 million to complete excavations and DNA/genealogy analysis in Oak Lawn Cemetery and to finish work from the 2024 field season; staff said contractors, forensic analysis and reinterment account for most costs.
City staff briefed the committee on the race-massacre graves investigation and a mayoral request to allocate an additional $1 million in the FY 2026 budget to complete work in Oak Lawn Cemetery.
Deputy Chief of Staff Brenton Todd, James Wagner and planning staff summarized the multidisciplinary effort: archaeologists from the University of Oklahoma, forensic anthropologists from the University of Florida, Intermountain Forensics for DNA extraction and genealogy, and a contractor experienced in cemetery excavation. The team previously identified and facilitated a memorial and marker for C.L. Daniel after the 2024 field season; DNA and genealogy work continues for remains found last year.
Staff said the proposed $1 million would pay for excavation of a remaining southwest section of Oak Lawn where archaeologists estimate another 28–30 burials may remain, plus the reinterment process and continued DNA extraction/genealogy work tied to the 2024 season. Staff explained the fieldwork requires temporary site infrastructure (trailers, power, plumbing), repeated mobilization/demobilization, and specialized laboratory and genealogy work that can be costly. The city currently retains unspent funds from prior work (roughly $286,000 noted in the briefing) and proposes the supplement to finish Oak Lawn work and finalize DNA and genealogy analysis.
Committee members asked about the relationship of a separate federal grant (the Emmett Till-related DOJ grant) to genealogy workshops and outreach; staff said Intermountain Forensics is performing DNA and genealogy work and running community workshops under grant support, and that the federal Emmett Till grant is scheduled to end this fall. Several councilors asked for restored oversight and public updates; staff pointed the committee to the project web page for documents and said the city would provide further reporting as the 2024-season analyses conclude.
No final appropriation vote was taken in committee; the request for $1 million is part of the mayor’s proposed FY 2026 budget subject to council action in the budget process.
