On Thursday at 11 a.m., Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols will join forensic specialists at Oaklawn Cemetery to provide the community with the latest update on the ongoing 1921 Graves Investigation. The briefing follows a recent field effort in which crews exhumed three burial sites from two separate excavation areas.
Recent excavation work
Tuesday’s work saw the removal of three sets of remains, each accompanied by descendants of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, a local funeral director, and field staff. The remains were taken to an on‑site laboratory for further examination. According to the experts present, none of the exhumed burials displayed visible signs of trauma.
Weather delay and resumption
Heavy rain on Wednesday forced a temporary pause in the excavation activities. Crews anticipate resuming work on Thursday morning, weather permitting, to continue the careful forensic analysis.
Mayor Nichols’ role and community involvement
Mayor Nichols, a longtime advocate for preserving Tulsa’s history and supporting the descendants of the massacre, emphasized the importance of transparency and community participation. “Our city owes it to the families and to future generations to uncover the truth about what happened in 1921,” Nichols said. He added that the city remains committed to providing resources and a respectful environment for the investigation.
What to expect at the briefing
The public update will include a summary of the recent findings, an overview of the forensic methods being used, and an opportunity for community members to ask questions. Attendees will also hear from the lead forensic anthropologist, who will explain how the laboratory analyses are conducted and what the next steps in the investigation will be.
Historical context
The 1921 Graves Investigation began six years ago as part of a broader effort to locate and identify the remains of victims of the Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the deadliest incidents of racial violence in U.S. history. The project has been a collaborative effort involving city officials, academic researchers, and families of the victims.
Continuing the search for truth
While the recent exhumations have not revealed overt trauma, investigators remain hopeful that DNA testing and other scientific techniques will eventually provide identification and closure for the families. The city has pledged ongoing support for the forensic work, recognizing its significance for healing and historical record.
How to attend
The briefing is open to the public and will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery, located at the historic burial ground in Tulsa. No registration is required, though attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure seating.
Looking ahead
Mayor Nichols reaffirmed the city’s dedication to seeing the investigation through to its conclusion. “We will continue to allocate the necessary resources and maintain open communication with the families and the public,” he said. The next phases of the investigation will focus on further DNA analysis and continued outreach to descendants seeking answers.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
