109-Year-Old Viola Ford Fletcher, the Oldest Living Survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre and World’s Most Senior Centurion Author”
NEW YORK, N.Y., Black PR Wire – Mocha Media Inc. is excited to announce the forthcoming release of a groundbreaking memoir, “DONT LET THEM BURY MY STORY: The Oldest Living Survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre in Her Own Words” by Viola Ford Fletcher with her grandson Ike Howard. This powerful and inspiring memoir, set to be released in hardcover on July 4, 2023, marks a historic milestone as Ms. Fletcher, at the remarkable age of 109, becomes the world’s oldest centurion to share her story through the written word. The book offers a unique and intimate perspective on the Tulsa Race Massacre, capturing the strength and resilience of a survivor who refused to let her story be forgotten.
This year marks the 102nd anniversary of the tragic event that stands as the single worst incident of racial violence in U.S. history. Ms. Fletcher, 109, the oldest living survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, will be present in Tulsa this weekend to mark the solemn occasion of the 102nd anniversary of the tragic event.
These events provide a unique opportunity to hear directly from Ms. Fletcher and engage in meaningful discussions surrounding her memoir, the lasting impact of the Tulsa Race Massacre, and her plans for the upcoming release and book tour.
In “DON’T LET THEM BURY MY STORY,” Viola Ford Fletcher shares her journey as the oldest survivor and last living witness of the 1921 Tulsa Massacre. From her terrifying experience as a seven-year-old girl fleeing her burning neighborhood of Greenwood to her recent testimony before Congress seeking justice for the families affected, Ms. Fletcher’s memoir paints a vivid picture of resilience and the quest for truth.
The book sheds light on the vibrant Greenwood community, known as “Black Wall Street,” which thrived amidst the highly segregated city of Tulsa. Tragically, the prosperous district became a nightmare, claiming the lives of hundreds of Black Tulsans and leaving survivors in internment camps, with no one ever held accountable for the atrocities they endured. For over a century, these survivors yearned to be acknowledged, heard, and restored.
Co-written by Ike Howard, Ms. Fletcher’s grandson and President of the Viola Ford Fletcher Foundation, “DON’T LET THEM BURY MY STORY” unveils the journey of a fearless woman who overcame her fear of retaliation to tell her truth. The book is scheduled to release on July 4, 2023, the 102nd anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, under Mocha Media–a Black-woman-owned publishing company that promotes original, curated, and user-generated content in both digital and traditional formats.
Margo Ochoa, CEO of Mocha Media Inc., expresses her pride in being part of this historic moment, stating, “What an honor it is to make history on International Women’s Day with Mother Fletcher, who is using the power of the pen to keep her survival story alive. It’s Literary Activism at its finest. Our publishing model not only provides a platform for marginalized writers but also ensures that Ms. Fletcher receives immediate royalties, assisting in the economic restoration of her and her family.”
To commemorate the book’s release, Ms. Fletcher, Ike Howard, and her “Baby Brother” Van Ellis (102), who wrote the forward to the book, will embark on a nationwide tour during the summer and fall of 2023. For Pre-order info, please visit www.mochamediabooks.com
About Mocha Media Inc.
Mocha Media Inc. is a Black-woman-owned publishing company based in New York City. Dedicated to promoting diverse voices and experiences, Mocha Media produces original, curated, and user-generated content in various formats, bridging the gap between traditional and digital publishing.
