Tulsa Race Massacre survivor's home gets restored for 105th birthday

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Saturday, a birthday wish was granted for Lessie Randle who is one of the few known living survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre.

She turned 105 in November and wanted two things for her birthday: to look pretty and she really wanted a home renovation.

Dr. Tiffany Crutcher said she's got one of those covered.

Thanks to the Terence Crutcher foundation, the Gathering Place and local community members they were able to gift her with a fully renovated home.

The project was important for everyone involved to honor the legacy of Randle.

"So I'm just glad to know that you love me well enough to come out and see," Randle said.

Randle's family expressed that this project couldn't have gotten completed without the community coming together.

"Keep doing for my grandmother, or should I say our grandmother. Right now she considers everybody a grandchild," Randle's granddaughter Ladonna Penny said

Everything inside her home had been remodeled with a special touch to make it truly feel like home. A new bathroom, kitchen appliances and a new bed.

Randle told Tulsa's Channel 8 that she can't wait to sleep in her new bed.

Those who made Randle's dream come true say it's because of her strength and courage that the spirit of Black Wall Street lives on and that it was important that she be treated like a queen.

"This isn't just some passing thing that we're doing. We're thanking god Miss. Randle survived. We're also thinking about all the unborn children that could have been and we will never forget and we're going to keep fighting," said Oklahoma District 73 Rep. Regina Goodwin.

Despite everything she's witnessed in her life, she truly appreciates what the community has done for her.

"But I do thank you so much. Thank you everyone. Thank you so much," Randle said.