Capital Region charity donates $1 million to Tulsa Race Massacre survivors

It was a dark time in American history. A white mob goes on a rampage through a Black Tulsa neighborhood and business district in 1921. When it was over, more than 300 Black people were dead and 30 city blocks were destroyed.

No one was ever convicted, and insurance claims were denied.

Nearly 100 years later, some of the survivors are still seeking justice. A court recently ruled that their lawsuit against the city, the sheriff and Oklahoma National Guard can proceed.

The whole ordeal struck Ed Mitzen, the founder of Capital Region charity Business for Good. He wanted to do something for the survivors who are now more than 100 years old, before it was too late.

So Mitzen and his wife, Lisa, flew from Saratoga Springs to Tulsa on Wednesday to present a check for $1 million to Hughes Van Ellis, Lessie Randle and Viola Fletcher.

Mitzen points out that their donation should not be in place of the justice the victims deserve.

Hear Ed Mitzen discuss the teary-eyed reaction he says the centenarians had to the generous donation by watching the video of Mark Mulholland’s story.