US Navy Exonerates Black Sailors from 1944

The U.S. Navy has exonerated 256 Black sailors who were unjustly court-martialed after the 1944 Port Chicago explosion, which killed 320 sailors and civilians, most of whom were Black. This decision, announced by Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, comes 80 years after the disaster and acknowledges the sailors' legitimate safety concerns and the racist conditions they faced. The exoneration is a significant step in addressing a historical injustice, recognizing the courage of the sailors who refused to return to hazardous work without proper training. Prominent figures and organizations, including the NAACP and Eleanor Roosevelt, had criticized the original convictions. The decision has been hailed by community leaders and family members who have long advocated for justice. It also underscores the Navy's commitment to learning from its past and ensuring fairness and dignity within its ranks moving forward.