Washington, DC – October 10, 2023** – The Ghana Tourism Authority and the Beyond the Return Secretariat join in expressing deep condolences on the passing of Mr. Hughes Van Ellis, affectionately known as Uncle Redd, a survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre and a Ghanaian citizen.  Our team received the news on Monday evening while in Washington DC.

Akwasi Agyeman, the CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority made the announcement after the opening ceremony for the Ghana Week DC and Capital City Africa  Festival.  “We just got the news, this evening that Uncle Redd has passed away,” said Mr. Agyeman.  He asked everyone in the audience  to honour him with a moment f silence.

Mr. Van Ellis’s journey was marked by unwavering resilience and a profound commitment to preserving historical memory. His indomitable spirit shone brightly throughout his 102 years of life, and his passing leaves a void that resonates deeply within our hearts.

As one of the last known survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre, an event etched in history as one of the most tragic instances of racial violence in the United States, Uncle Redd’s legacy is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The destruction of Tulsa’s Greenwood District, often referred to as “Black Wall Street,” stands as a poignant reminder of the enduring struggle for justice and equality.

In recognition of his remarkable life and to honor the profound connection between the African diaspora and their heritage, Mr. Van Ellis was granted citizenship by the Ghanaian President, H.E Nana Akufo- Addo,  when he and his sister, Viola Fletcher, also a Tulsa Race Massacre survivor, visited Ghana in 2021.  The siblings participated in their official citizenship ceremony at the Ghana Embassy Washington DC in February of this year.  At the ceremony, he was given his official Ghanaian name, Nii Bio Lantey. This symbolic gesture celebrated his enduring legacy and his role in preserving the collective memory of African history. 

Uncle Redd’s passing leaves an immeasurable void in our hearts, but his spirit and legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. As we celebrate his life, we are reminded of the enduring strength and resilience of the African diaspora. His story is an integral part of our collective struggle, and his experiences offer a unique glimpse into the challenges that Black people have faced and continue to face.

We extend our deepest condolences to Uncle Redd’s family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing this extraordinary individual. His memory will forever be etched in the tapestry of our shared history.

Story by: Ivy Prosper

With tears in their eyes, Viola Fletcher, age 107 and Hughes Van Ellis, aka Uncle Redd, age 100, were finding it hard to say goodbye to Ghana.  After a week-long trip, they fell in love with the country’s hospitality, the people and the culture.  They completed a life mission to see the motherland Africa and didn’t want to go back.  

The siblings are survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre when a mob of racist white people completely decimated a thriving black community in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Fletcher said it was her lifelong dream to see Africa before seeing God. That dream has been realized beyond her wildest dreams. On their last evening in Accra, they were treated to a farewell dinner by the poolside at the residence of Ambassador Erieka Bennett.  Surrounded by their family and new friends, it was both a goodbye and a celebration of their life-changing experience. 

When Uncle Redd wanted to speak after dinner he was so emotional, he began to tear up, holding his hand in front of his eyes trying to hold back the tears. Taking his glasses off, he took tissue and wiped the tears. “I can’t think of the words but I’ve got one or two words…this is love, from the heart,” he said. “The love and respect, honour…that’s what it is. I want to thank each and every one of you….number one people, it’s been amazing….I thank you, I love you, I never will forget you…number one people in my heart, understand?” Thank you so much.”  

The Diaspora African Forum presented Mother Fletcher with a Living Legend Award to honour her contributions to the world.  She was grateful and shared her sentiments about the experience in Ghana. “Every one of you and all the effort you’ve shown, I feel comfortable and full. Thank you very much and I’m sure the whole family feels the same way. We all love you.”

Malee Craft is the eldest daughter of Uncle Redd and also took the opportunity to express heartfelt gratitude for their time in Ghana. “The respect that has been given to him has been phenomenal. We are really speechless as to all the things that we have done, seen, the people we have met, and it’s been a wonderful lifetime experience and I’d like to say thank you, thank you, thank you, for everything. For the love, the kindness that everyone has shown us here for our first time in Ghana.”.

Deputy Director of Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President, Dr. Nadia Musah joined the farewell dinner and expressed a heartfelt thank you from her office and the presidency for choosing Ghana as the place to visit in Africa. “I’m very happy we spent the last seven, eight days with you and looking at your strength…” she said. “You can’t hold anything back. You cannot. You shouldn’t let your age or anything limit what you can do.”

At the airport it was another emotional scene as Dr. Toni Luck and Ambassador Bennett, had tears and felt the love these two centenarians had brought to Ghana.  The trip not only changed the lives of Mother Fletcher and Uncle Redd, but it also made an impact on everyone who spent time around them over the past week.  Their journey has inspired others who were once hesitant about travelling to Africa.  If they can travel at age 107 and 100, then there’s nothing that should stop others from making the same journey.  

By Ivy Prosper

There was so much anticipation and emotion while waiting for the flight carrying two survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre to arrive in Accra.  In 1921, the area of Greenwood in the city of Tulsa Oklahoma was burned down by a mob of whites who targeted the thriving black community. Thousands were left homeless and many were killed in the attack. Viola Fletcher, aka, ‘Mother Fletcher’, who was 7 years old at the time is till haunted by memories of the viscous attack. She’s often said that it’s been a dream to visit Africa before she sees God and this journey would fulfill that desire. Fletcher, who is 107 years old, and her brother Hughes Van Ellis, aka ‘Uncle Red’ age 100, have successfully fulfilled the lifelong dream of coming to Africa when they landed in Accra yesterday afternoon. 

Co-Founding Chair of the African Legacy Foundation, Dr. Toni Luck, who flew in from Johannesburg, South Africa and Ambassador Erieka Bennett, who is Head of Missions at the Diaspora African Forum, both were so filled with joy knowing that they were about to land in Ghana.  “It’s like waiting for my own grandmother,” Bennett said.  Dr. Luck, was pacing around the VIP lounge with so much excitement like a child on Christmas morning. She said she’s met Mother Fletcher before, but this moment was more special than any other.

The two centenarian siblings made the historic journey with other family members and supporters. The trip wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Michael Thompson, founder, and CEO of Our Black Truth, who sponsored the trip. “It’s a dream to actually be here and I’m looking forward to learning more about Ghana,” Thompson said upon arriving at the airport.  Malee Vivian Craft, Uncle Redd’s eldest daughter, came in the lounge just before her father and aunt did saying, “I’m very happy to be here. It’s my first time on the continent of Africa and I am just thrilled to be here…and I hope to make friends and learn a lot.”  His second eldest daughter Muriel Ellis Watson was also part of the delegation and excited to be in Ghana.

When the car pulled up with the two centenarians everyone applauded with overwhelming joy.  Mother Fletcher and Uncle Redd both stepped out of the airport car, grabbed their walkers and made their way into the VIP lounge to be greeted by everyone.  After all the necessary protocols were taken care of at the airport, the siblings were escorted to their vehicles and made their way to their hotel where they were greeted with a true Ghanaian welcome featuring a cultural display of drumming and dancing in their honour.  Uncle Redd was spotted moving his hands to the beat of the drum and Mother Fletcher’s eyes showed true joy as her grandson, Ike Vernon Howard, spun her around in a wheelchair dancing to the music.

The Diaspora African Forum played a big role in coordinating with Our Black Truth to make this trip a success with the support of The Diaspora Affairs Office of the President, Beyond the Return and Ghana Tourism Authority.  The coming week is filled with some activities that will give them an opportunity to experience Ghana, learn the culture and history while meeting some wonderful people.  Fletcher and Van Ellis are in for the experience of a lifetime.

By Ivy Prosper

Two survivors of what is known as the ‘Black Wall Street’ Massacre of 1921 are coming to Accra this month.  Mother Viola Fletcher is 107 years old and will be travelling with her 100-year-old brother, Hughes Van Ellis aka ‘Uncle Redd’.  Together they will fulfill their dream to travel to the African continent.  They chose Ghana, West Africa because the country has shown itself to be a success story and one with a strong pan-Africanist history welcoming the African diaspora for decades.

Until recently, the tragic events of the massacre in Tulsa, Oklahoma were rarely discussed and hidden from American history.  From May 31 – June 1, 1921, a violent mob of whites in the city of Tulsa ambushed the prosperous Black community known as Greenwood.  This area has been referred to as ‘Black Wall Street’ because of the level of independence, financial success and freedom the community experienced.  The mob burnt the community to the ground which left Greenwood completely destroyed.  Black residents lost their homes and businesses. It was the complete erasure of everything they had built over several years.  It’s estimated that 3000 people were attacked and gunned down with bodies dumped in unmarked graves.  Mother Fletcher and her brother ‘Uncle Redd’ are survivors of this horrible massacre.  It’s a piece of American history that was kept hidden for decades and it’s only in recent years that it’s become more openly spoken about in America. 

The city of Tulsa commemorated the 100-year anniversary of the massacre with a ceremony attended by President Joe Biden. “For much too long, the history of what took place here was told in silence, cloaked in darkness.  But just because history is silent, it does not mean that it did not take place.  And while darkness can hide much, it erases nothing.  It erases nothing.  Some injustices are so heinous, so horrific, so grievous they can’t be buried, no matter how hard people try,” remarked Biden at the ceremony. 

Mother Fletcher recalls the events of the massacre saying, “On that first night, in 1921, I went to bed in my family’s home in Greenwood, a community that was rich, not only in terms of wealth, but in culture, community, and heritage,” she said. “My family had a beautiful home. We had great neighbors, and I had friends to play with. I felt safe. I had everything a child could need. I had a bright future ahead of me. Greenwood could have given me the chance to truly make a good life in this country. But within a few horrible hours, all of that was gone.” But now, after all these years, I’m so happy to be fulfilling a lifelong dream of going to Africa and I am so pleased that is to beautiful Ghana.”

OUR BLACK TRUTH and the Diaspora African Forum (DAF) are sponsoring this historic trip for Mother Fletcher and her brother Uncle Redd.  DAF has prepared tours and receptions at special events to honor them.  “I will never forget all that we escaped that so many others did not. I relive my memories of the Massacre every day…” Mother Fletcher said. “When my family was forced to flee Tulsa, I lost my chance at an education. I never finished school past the fourth grade, and never made much money. But now, at long last, at least I get to see Africa before I see God.”

By: Ivy Prosper