One of the last known living survivors of an infamous racist attack, she is stalking Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
Lacey Benningfield Rundle, 109, issued a statement late Friday saying she was grateful for the right to vote. Randle was born in 1914, and women did not gain the right to vote in Oklahoma until 1918.
In 1921, Randle witnessed the destruction of Tulsa’s Greenwood neighborhood by a white mob. The area was known for its relatively wealthy black population. Researchers say up to 300 people died.
In her statement, Randle alluded to Harris’ Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, but did not use his name.
“As voters, we must protect our children from politicians who believe revenge and violence are a virtue. Because I lived that nightmare. Trust me, we can’t afford to go back,” Randle wrote.
Most recently, Harris attacked Trump for saying former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney (R), a Harris supporter, should carry guns that “shoot her.” Trump said he was trying to make clear that Cheney was unlikely to support wars if she had to fight them herself.
Here’s Randle’s full statement:
“I don’t know how much time I have left. But if this is my last ballot, I’m grateful it’s for Kamala Harris. I have five children and over 20 grandchildren. VP Harris has a better chance of building the nation I want them to inherit.”
“My grandchildren deserve a world where caring for their parents is not a financial struggle, medicine is affordable, and women are free. And all our children deserve a president who inspires them to learn from history, not a tyrant who tries to erase it.”
“The mob that killed my neighbors in Greenwood was very angry, and this country is in danger of allowing the same anger to grip its soul again. But voters can reject any politician who incites white people to turn against their dark-skinned neighbors. And voters can say no to giving police officers Rogues Complete immunity to terrorize us. We can say no to candidates who take away students’ freedom to learn about our country’s past. We, as voters, have to protect our children from politicians who believe revenge and violence are virtues. And trust me, we can’t afford it “Back.”
