Hundreds March Through Greenwood To Honor Race Massacre Centennial, Survivors

Hundreds of people are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Race Massacre by marching alongside three survivors. The group started at Carver Middle School and walked to Greenwood. The survivors were in a horse and carriage, leading the way. 

News On 6’s Sawyer Buccy wondered what the victims of the Race Massacre would think, 100 years after tragedy, to see hundreds of people of all ages and backgrounds and skin colors, coming together to remember what happened on this street.

"My grandfather actually owned a shoeshine parlor. It was called the Cherry Shoeshine Parlor, here on Greenwood," said Demeta Brewer.  "The last couple of days have been very emotional, preparing for this moment. We have looked forward to it and it is very important to me that we teach our children, our grandchildren this important legacy of what this moment means."

To walk where a community was burnt to the ground and then rebuilt - chanting for hope, chanting for change, chanting with pride. 

Three survivors of the massacre were pulled through the streets in a horse in carriage with the marchers behind them.

"It has been such an emotional morning. Just to be with these survivors who 100 years ago had to flee through these same streets, burning. And now they are in a carriage coming through and we are standing with them," said All Souls Unitarian Church Rev Dr. Marlin Lavanhar. 

At the end of the march, organizers reminded the hundreds that this wasn't a weekend of celebration - it was a time to remember and honor the victims, survivors, and their families.

"We are one America, one. We have to come together,” said Race Massacre survivor Hughes Van Ellis.