The Port Chicago Mutiny

Description:

During World War II, Port Chicago was a segregated naval munitions base on the outer shores of San Francisco Bay. Black seamen were required to load ammunition onto ships bound for the South Pacific under the watch of their white officers--an incredibly dangerous and physically challenging task. On July 17, 1944, an explosion rocked the base, killing 320 men--202 of whom were black ammunition loaders. In the ensuing weeks, white officers were given leave time and commended for heroic efforts, whereas 328 of the surviving black enlistees were sent to load ammunition on another ship. When they refused, fifty men were singled out and charged--and convicted--of mutiny. It was the largest mutiny trial in U.S. naval history. First published in 1989, The Port Chicago Mutiny is a thorough and riveting work of civil rights literature, and with a new preface and epilogue by the author emphasize the event's relevance today.

subjects: African Americans,  California,  Explosions,  History,  Port Chicago Mutiny Trial, San Francisco, Calif., 1944,  Port Chicago Mutiny, Port Chicago, Calif., 1944,  Race relations,  United States,  United States. Navy,  World War, 1939-1945,  United states, navy, african americans,  United states, navy, history,  World war, 1939-1945, african americans,  African americans, california,  California, history, local,  Trials (military offenses),  Courts-martial and courts of inquiry,  Fiction,  African American Participation,  Civil rights

Places: California

Times: 20th century