The Port Chicago 50

Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights

An astonishing civil rights story from Newbery Honor winner and National Book Award finalist Steve Sheinkin.

On July 17, 1944, a massive explosion rocked the segregated Navy base at Port Chicago, California, killing more than 300 sailors who were at the docks, critically injuring off-duty men in their bunks, and shattering windows up to a mile away. On August 9th, 244 men refused to go back to work until unsafe and unfair conditions at the docks were addressed. When the dust settled, fifty were charged with mutiny, facing decades in jail and even execution. This is a fascinating story of the prejudice that faced black men and women in America's armed forces during World War II, and a nuanced look at those who gave their lives in service of a country where they lacked the most basic rights.

Never Read this in school history books!

Uses primary and secondary documents to reveal the struggle these young men faced...duty to country versus respect for the work they were commanded to do.

Navy Chief Navy Pride

As a black man and a Navy Chief I’ve never heard this story until another black Navy Chief told me about it. Story’s like these should not be forgotten.

WWWII and Civil Rights History

This should be included in all history curriculum for middle school or high school students.

Port Chicago 50 Thumbs Up!

Books such as “Port Chicago 50” are a nice, and necessary, addendum to the American history that isn’t taught in schools. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants unadulterated historical perspective from the side that is often left out.

Good

It’s sad that this happened but a great story about all that happened back then