Jeanette Batchelor-Young had been on a quest to uncover her family history when she received a message that would unveil a surprising twist to her origin story. Despite many gaps in her family’s past, Mrs. Batchelor-Young was determined to learn more about her roots.
The message she received from a forensic lab changed everything she knew about her paternal family’s journey from Texas to Northern California. It hinted at a significant link to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, suggesting that Mrs. Batchelor-Young might be related to one of the victims.
At 64 years old, Mrs. Batchelor-Young was eager to uncover the truth about her father’s side of the family. This revelation opened up a new chapter in her search for identity and belonging.
The Tulsa Race Massacre, a devastating chapter in American history, left behind deep scars in the Black community. The quest to identify the victims of the massacre, including those buried in mass graves, has been ongoing for over a century.
Researchers are using advanced DNA technology to match the remains exhumed from Oaklawn Cemetery to living relatives. This groundbreaking approach is shedding light on a dark period in history and offering closure to families.
The project, known as the 1921 Graves investigation, recently made a breakthrough by connecting DNA profiles to living relatives across different states. Families with matching surnames are encouraged to participate in the effort to honor the victims of the massacre.
For Mrs. Batchelor-Young, each new detail discovered about her family’s past brings a sense of connection and belonging. Regardless of whether her family’s story is tied to the massacre, the journey of self-discovery has a profound impact on her sense of identity.
