Larry Love University Presents
Mother Lessie
Benningfield Randle
111 Years of Faith, Courage & Living Legacy
Tulsa, Oklahoma → Chicago, Illinois → Tulsa, Oklahoma
October 8–12, 2026 • Approx. 1,380 Miles by RV • 5 Days • 8 Travelers
For media inquiries: [email protected] | (844) GO-TO-LLU
111
Age
Oct 8–12
Journey
~1,380 mi
Distance
RV
Mode
Larry Love University
Sponsor
MUSKOGEE, OKLA. — On October 12, 2026, Mother Lessie Benningfield Randle — at 111 years old, the last known living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre — completed a historic five-day, approximately 1,380-mile round-trip journey by RV from Tulsa, Oklahoma to the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, and was safely returned to her home.
The journey was the fulfillment of a personal promise. After Dr. Larry Love, Founder and President of Larry Love University, told Mother Randle about the Obama Presidential Center, she expressed her love of museums and asked him to take her. Dr. Love agreed — and then made it happen.
The traveling party of eight departed Tulsa on October 8, 2026. Dr. Love hired Tri-Arm Security Company to provide RV driving services through Officer Mark Jeans, a Piedmont, Oklahoma police officer. Accompanying Mother Randle were her granddaughter LaDonna Penny, caregivers Dr. Tameshia Jefferson and Denita Hamilton, and volunteers Eddie Jay and Mary Chantre.
On October 10, 2026, Mother Randle and her party entered the Obama Presidential Center using priority passes secured by Dr. Love — passes that provided access to exclusive areas not available to the general public. When Mother Randle preferred to stay in the RV rather than a hotel room, Dr. Larry Love, her granddaughter LaDonna Penny, and volunteer Eddie Jay remained with her overnight.
This experience represents the fulfillment of a personal promise, the celebration of an extraordinary life, and an opportunity to honor a living witness to American history before there are no more living witnesses left to speak. Larry Love University is proud to have made this journey possible.
Journey Timeline
October 8–12, 2026 · Completed
Thursday, October 8, 2026
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Departure from Tulsa, Oklahoma — The RV departs bound for Chicago, Illinois, carrying Mother Randle and seven companions on a 690-mile leg of her historic journey.
Friday, October 9, 2026
En Route
En route to Chicago — Overnight travel. Dr. Larry Love, LaDonna Penny (Mother Randle's granddaughter), and Eddie Jay remained in the RV with Mother Randle through the night.
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Chicago, Illinois
The Obama Presidential Center — Mother Randle and her party entered using priority passes secured by Dr. Love, providing access to exclusive areas not available to the general public. A living witness to history walked through a monument to possibility.
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Chicago → Tulsa
Return journey — The traveling party departed Chicago, beginning the 690-mile return trip to Tulsa.
Monday, October 12, 2026
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Safe return home — Mother Lessie Benningfield Randle arrived safely at her Tulsa home, completing a historic five-day, approximately 1,380-mile round trip by RV.
The Traveling Party
Eight individuals made this journey possible — bound together by purpose, commitment, and love for Mother Randle.
Dr. Larry Love
Organizer & Founder, Larry Love University
Remained in the RV with Mother Randle overnight, alongside LaDonna Penny and Eddie Jay.
Mother Lessie Benningfield Randle
Principal — Age 111, Last Living Survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
LaDonna Penny
Granddaughter of Mother Randle
Dr. Tameshia Jefferson
Caregiver
Denita Hamilton
Caregiver
Officer Mark Jeans
RV Driver / Security — Piedmont Police Officer, Tri-Arm Security Company
Eddie Jay
Volunteer Caregiver Assistant
Mary Chantre
Volunteer Caregiver Assistant
Guinness World Records
Larry Love University is pursuing Guinness World Records recognition for Mother Randle's achievement across three proposed categories.
Oldest Living Survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
Mother Randle is the sole confirmed living witness to one of America's worst acts of racial violence. Holocaust survivor Israel Kristal and Pearl Harbor survivor Lt. Jim Downing both received formal Guinness recognition — establishing direct precedent.
Oldest Person to Visit the Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center opened to the public on June 19, 2026 — just weeks before this journey. At 111 years old, Mother Randle is almost certainly the oldest visitor in the Center's brief history.
Verified Long-Distance RV Journey by a Person Aged 111
Approximately 1,380 miles by recreational vehicle, round trip, over five days. This is the category proposed directly by Dr. Larry Love and may represent a unique record with no prior claimant.
Mother Randle turns 112 on November 29, 2026. The Guinness application is being filed now at guinnessworldrecords.com. Witness statements are being collected from all eight traveling party members.
Why This Story Matters
A once-in-a-generation moment — a living bridge between the past, present, and future of American history.
The Last Living Witness
Mother Randle is the sole surviving eyewitness to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre — a living link to one of America's darkest and most suppressed chapters.
A Promise Kept
This journey was born from a personal conversation. After Dr. Love told Mother Randle about the Obama Presidential Center, she asked him to take her. He agreed. This is what it looks like to keep your word.
A Bridge Between Eras
A survivor of the destruction of Black Wall Street visited a monument to America's first Black president — 105 years of American history compressed into one extraordinary journey.
Education as Liberation
As an LLU alumna, Mother Randle's story embodies lifelong learning — proof that education is not bound by age, adversity, or circumstance.
History Preserved
LLU has prepared a full historical documentation and media packet: press release, archival narrative, Guinness application, formal itinerary, and witness statements — so this moment is never forgotten.
National Media Moment
A rare opportunity for journalists, documentary producers, and digital media creators to capture a living legend — before there are no more living witnesses left to speak.
Official Documents
Historical documentation prepared by Larry Love University for permanent record, media use, and Guinness World Records submission.
Press Release
Official press release announcing the successful completion of Mother Randle's historic journey, formatted for immediate national distribution.
Download Press ReleaseHistorical Narrative
“A Living Bridge” — the archival-grade narrative for historians, academic citation, documentary producers, and future generations.
Download Historical NarrativeOriginal Media Kit
The original pre-journey media kit issued before the October 2026 trip — background, bios, and story angles for journalists and producers.
Download Media Kit (PDF)Original Press Release
The original press release issued before the journey — announcing Mother Randle's planned visit to the Obama Presidential Center.
Download Original Press Release (PDF)Media Opportunities
Available to approved journalists, documentary producers, and digital media creators
Interview Access
Interviews with Dr. Larry Love and event organizers are available. Interview access with Mother Randle is subject to health and scheduling availability.
Historical Documentation Packet
The complete documentation packet — press release, archival narrative, formal itinerary, Guinness application, and witness statement template — is available to approved media.
Documentary Features
Dr. Larry Love is available for long-form documentary interviews, podcast appearances, and digital panel discussions about this historic journey and LLU's mission.
Exclusive Follow-Up Coverage
As the Guinness World Records application proceeds, LLU will provide updates for media partners who register their interest in ongoing coverage.
Media Contact
Dr. Larry Love
Founder & President, Larry Love University
Direct: (708) 536-8836
Office: (844) 468-6558 (GO-TO-LLU)
Email: [email protected]
1320 N. Mill Street, Ste 116, Muskogee, OK 74401
Dr. Debra Harris
Registrar, Larry Love University
Email: [email protected]
For interview scheduling, press credentials, and media inquiries, contact us directly.