1st Tulsa Race Massacre victim identified in mass grave honored with memorial

• In 2021, the city of Tulsa investigated 120 unmarked graves at Oaklawn Cemetery.
• C. L. Daniel was the first victim identified in July after his remains were found in a mass grave in 2020. His name now appears on a memorial stone honoring those found at the site.

What they're saying: Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum (R) said during Tuesday's memorial service that Daniel was trying to find a job and a way to return home to his mother in Georgia when he was killed.

• "His mother died never knowing where her son was buried," he said.

The bottom line: According to a letter written by Daniel's family, "Today represents more than a memorial for C.L. Daniel and those still resting in unidentified graves" in the community that was once known as "Black Wall Street."

• "It is a long-awaited acknowledgement of lives impacted by the massacre and a testament to the resilience of the Greenwood community, which has sought recognition and justice for their loved ones over generations," they added.

Zoom out: Earlier this year, the Justice Department opened its first-ever investigation into one of the nation's deadliest race massacres and plans to release a report on its findings by the end of 2024.

• No one was charged in the mass killing.
• A judge earlier this year rejected a reparations lawsuit filed by survivors of the atrocity.

• One of the two last known survivors, Lessie Benningfield Randle, celebrated her 110th birthday on Sunday.

What's next: In the coming weeks, more headstones will be installed at Oaklawn Cemetery, which the city of Tulsa said in a Facebook post would "pay tribute to everyone" who was found.

• "While many individuals in this part of Oaklawn Cemetery do not yet have a name, we remain committed to searching for the truth, wherever it may lead us."

Go deeper: Uncovering the Tulsa Race Massacre after 100 years