The DeSaulnier Digest: Congressman DeSaulnier Celebrates Exoneration of the Port Chicago 50
Last week, eighty years to the day after the devastating explosion at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in Concord, California on July 17, 1944, the U.S. Navy posthumously exonerated the Port Chicago 50 – African American sailors who were wrongfully and discriminately charged with mutiny after the incident.
I am thrilled that the Navy has finally corrected this historical injustice. Since coming to Congress in 2015, I have been proud to lead the fight for justice for and exoneration of these brave sailors, including through amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), resolutions to exonerate the sailors in the 114th, 115th, 116th, 117th, and 118th Congresses, and in calling on then-President Obama and past and current Secretaries of the Navy to remove the racially-based convictions from the sailors’ records. Our nation now stands one step closer to fulfilling its founding promise of equality and justice for all.
Sincerely,
Mark DeSaulnier
Member of Congress
COMMEMORATING PORT CHICAGO ANNIVERSARY
Team DeSaulnier Recognizes 80th Anniversary of Port Chicago Explosion
Our office participated in this year’s commemoration at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine Memorial, which was extra special following the long overdue exoneration of the Port Chicago 50. We were joined by the Secretary of the Navy and leaders from the National Park Service and East Bay Regional Park District in recognizing this special day.
Congressman DeSaulnier Discusses Port Chicago Disaster and Exoneration with KTVU
Congressman DeSaulnier joined KTVU to share his thoughts on the 80th anniversary of the disaster at Port Chicago, the belated exoneration of the Port Chicago 50, and his efforts to clear the names of those sailors since coming to Congress in 2015. To view, click here or on the image below.
Mark Shares Thoughts on the Overdue Exoneration of the Port Chicago 50 with NBC Bay Area News
Click here or on the image below to watch the full interview.
Congressman DeSaulnier Joins ABC7 on Anniversary of Port Chicago Explosion
Mark shared the impact of the historic Port Chicago 50 exoneration both in the Bay Area and beyond on ABC7 News. To tune in, click here or on the image below.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
DeSaulnier Continued Health Care Listening Tour in Concord and Walnut Creek
Mark met with staff at La Clínica de La Raza in Concord and Contra Costa Crisis Center in Walnut Creek to tour their facilities and learn about the important services they provide. Both organizations are meeting a demonstrated need in the community for culturally competent health care and necessary behavioral health services.
Mark Briefs CCTA on Federal Transportation Investments
Congressman DeSaulnier attended the Contra Costa Transportation Authority's Board Meeting to share updates from Washington, D.C., including funding he is helping to bring to the East Bay for critical transportation improvements.
DeSaulnier Shares Update on Patient Navigation with American Cancer Society Group
Congressman DeSaulnier joined the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network to speak about his work as the founder of the Cancer Survivors Caucus to advocate for patient navigation bills that support those diagnosed with cancer and their families to navigate complex treatment plans.
POST OF THE WEEK
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