Petition Alleging Violations of the Human Rights of John Melvin Alexander et al. by the United States of America

Abstract

This petition was submitted to the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights by Global Rights and Charles J. Ogletree, Jr. ("Petitioners") on behalf of John Melvin Alexander et al., survivors of a race riot that occurred in Tulsa, Oklahoma from May 31-June 1, 1921, and descendants of that riot's victims (collectively, "Victims"). This riot - in which an estimated 100-300 people were killed, 1,256 homes were destroyed and property worth approximately $21,743,016 in 2005 dollars ($2 million in 1921 dollars) was lost - devastated the African-American community living in Tulsa's Greenwood neighborhood. In the years since, Victims have continued to suffer from the denial of their right to resort to the courts for an effective remedy, and their right to equality before the law without distinction as to race.