Albany formally declares July 17 as Port Chicago Remembrance Day

The Albany City Council meeting on July 7, 2025, featured a significant proclamation recognizing July 17 as Port Chicago Remembrance Day. This decision honors the victims of the Port Chicago Disaster, which occurred during World War II and resulted in the deaths of 320 people, primarily African American sailors.

Council member Jordan read the proclamation, detailing the historical context of the disaster. On July 17, 1944, a catastrophic explosion at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine, located about 20 miles northeast of Albany, killed many sailors who were tasked with loading explosives onto cargo ships. The event highlighted the racial discrimination and hazardous working conditions faced by African American sailors in the military.

The proclamation also acknowledges the actions of the Port Chicago 50, a group of sailors who protested unsafe working conditions and were wrongfully charged with mutiny. In a significant development last year, President Joe Biden formally exonerated these sailors, recognizing their bravery and the injustices they faced.

Yuli Padmore, executive director of the Port Chicago Alliance, expressed gratitude for the proclamation, emphasizing its importance in restoring dignity to the sailors' legacy and ensuring that their sacrifices are not forgotten. Padmore noted that Albany was one of the first cities to advocate for the exoneration of the Port Chicago 50, marking a historic milestone in the fight for justice.

The council's decision to proclaim Port Chicago Remembrance Day serves as a commitment to remembering this pivotal moment in American history and advancing equity and justice within the community.