In a powerful statement that underscores her remarkable journey, 109-year-old Lessie Benningfield Randle, a survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, cast her vote for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. As her 110th birthday approaches, Randle’s choice is a testament to her unwavering resilience and commitment to securing a better future for the next generation.
Randle’s decision to vote for Harris carries profound meaning, representing a legacy of strength rooted in both suffering and triumph. She lived through one of the darkest chapters in American history when a white mob destroyed the Black community of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, killing hundreds and reducing thriving businesses to ashes. Despite the trauma, Randle’s act of voting is not just a personal choice but a powerful statement about perseverance and hope.
A Life Shaped by Racial Violence and Resilience
Born in 1914, Randle was just a young girl when the Tulsa Race Massacre occurred in 1921. The destruction of Black Wall Street was one of the most violent episodes of racial terrorism in U.S. history. As a Black woman, Randle’s life has been shaped by the painful realities of racial injustice and the fight for civil rights. In casting her vote for Kamala Harris, she connects her hopes for the future to a broader legacy of Black empowerment.
Randle’s journey is also deeply entwined with the history of voting rights in America. When she was born, Black Americans faced significant barriers to voting, especially women. It wasn’t until the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, after years of struggle led by figures like Fannie Lou Hamer, that the voting rights of Black Americans were fully protected. For Randle, voting represents a hard-earned right that she cherishes, having seen firsthand the lengths to which powerful figures went to suppress Black voices.
“My Grandchildren Deserve a Better World”
In an emotional statement, Randle shared why this election is so meaningful to her: “If this is my last ballot, then I’m grateful that it’s for Kamala Harris.” She expressed deep concern for future generations, especially her grandchildren. “My grandchildren deserve a world where taking care of their parents isn’t a financial struggle, medication is affordable, and women are free. And our children deserve a president who will inspire them to learn from history, not a tyrant who will try to erase it,” Randle said.
Her words reflect the urgent need for leadership that embraces the values of justice and equity. As the country grapples with rising political tensions, Randle’s call to protect history and uphold civil rights resonates deeply with many voters, especially those who have lived through similar struggles.
A Warning Against the Return of Hatred
Randle also warned of a disturbing rise in divisiveness and hate in the current political climate. Reflecting on the mob violence that destroyed Greenwood, she cautioned that America is at risk of repeating its violent past. “The mob that murdered my neighbors in Greenwood was so angry, and this country is at risk of allowing that same anger to take over its soul again,” she said.
For Randle, the stakes of this election are personal. She urged voters to reject leaders who foster division and violence, calling for a government that nurtures unity and empathy. “Voters can say no to a politician that incites white folks to turn against their darker skin neighbors. We can say no to giving rogue police officers full immunity to terrorize us,” she added.
Honoring the Legacy of Black History
The 2024 election is not just a political event for Randle; it is an act of honoring the painful history of Black America. She joins many in the Greenwood community who are voting for Kamala Harris, not just for the candidate she is, but for the values she represents. Damario Solomon-Simmons, Randle’s attorney and founder of Justice for Greenwood, emphasized the significance of this vote: “Nobody who seeks to suppress our people’s history yet again should occupy the Oval Office.”
Randle’s vote is a poignant reminder that every election is an opportunity to uphold dignity, fight for justice, and honor those who fought before us.
Viola Fletcher Joins in Solidarity
Randle is not alone in this symbolic act. Viola Fletcher, another survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre who is also 110 years old, plans to cast her vote for Harris as well. Their votes are more than just a political statement; they are a collective act of resistance, honoring the memory of those lost in the massacre and the ongoing fight for racial justice.
In 2024, the voices of these survivors carry profound weight, urging future generations to never forget the struggles of the past and to build a future of unity and understanding.
