OUTDOOR EXHIBITION HONORS THE PORT CHICAGO 50
In 1944, the US Navy charged 50 Black sailors with mutiny for refusing to load munitions following an explosion at Port Chicago, near Concord, which killed 320 people, mostly Black enlisted men.
The Port Chicago 50 were wrongly convicted and only recently exonerated.
Treasure Island Museum partnered with the Treasure Island Development Group, Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, East Bay Regional Park District, Treasure Island Development Authority, and Hood Design Studio to create the only permanent monument honoring the Port Chicago 50 that is fully accessible to the public; it was dedicated and unveiled in Panorama Park on Yerba Buena Island on October 24.
It was a memorable day. Members of the press, local leaders, and our island neighbors filled Panorama Park for the dedication ceremony. It became a celebration of progress and community.
The unveiling was featured on two local newscasts: Our local CBS affiliate's coverage includes contemporaneous photographs and details about the explosion and trial. The NBC station's coverage features an interview with TIM Vice President Walt Bilofsky; it considers the significance of the exoneration of the Port Chicago 50.
photographs courtesy of Cross Media International
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