JOEL DANIEL PHILLIPS

Kavin Ross, described as an “icon” by those who knew him, played an integral part in documenting the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Ross worked alongside Eddie Faye Gates and Don Thompson while they were capturing oral histories from 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre survivors. Kavin was a historian who led the way for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre graves investigation. He was passionate about finding the victims of the massacre and sharing their stories. 

A direct descendant of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, Ross followed in his father’s, Don Ross, footsteps by being an active agent of change throughout the Tulsa community. Kavin was appointed chairman of the 1921 Graves Investigation Oversight Committee by the Mayor of Tulsa. Ross worked tirelessly searching for graves and names that have been lost. Kavin was on the ground at Oaklawn cemetery, side by side with archeologists, helping to carry human remains from the dig site to the lab for analysis. Kavin dedicated years of his life to learning and sharing information about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. He is described by those who knew him as kind, compassionate, and someone who engaged with history and his community. c