Pelosi Statement on the Exoneration of American Sailors Unjustly Accused After the Port Chicago Tragedy

San Francisco - Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on the exoneration of 258 Black Sailors unjustly court-martialed after the Port Chicago explosion in 1944:

"We are grateful to Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro who, this week, exonerated 258 Black sailors unjustly put on trial after the horrific 1944 explosion in Port Chicago, California.

"While white sailors were granted leave, these courageous Black sailors were punished for refusing to return to unsafe working conditions.

"In righting this injustice, this historic announcement recognizes the role of these sailors in exposing inequities that led to the desegregation of our military.

"This exoneration honors their memory and their contributions to build a more just and equal future for all Americans."