Mutiny Against African American Sailors

The charge and conviction of mutiny against the African American sailors were motivated by the racism shown against them by the naval officers at Port Chicago. The African Americans were charged with mutiny, although what they were doing was not considered mutiny due to the naval definition. The navy believed the men were refusing to go back to work and start a mutiny because of the general ineptitude that they believe African Americans represented. Finally, the verdict of the fifty men guilty of mutiny was backed by racism and the “untrustworthiness" of African Americans. The definition of mutiny is an open rebellion against the proper authorities, especially by soldiers or sailors against their officers. The African American sailors who …show more content…
On the August 11th trial, Lieutenant Earnest Delucchi testified that he heard someone from the fifty say, “Let’s run over the motherf—ers.” (Delucchi, 111) If this was true, it could be proven that the men were planning mutiny, as it would be an attempt to overthrow authority. However, there was no way to prove this statement. James Coakley couldn't find a witness to clarify these words were spoken. The only people who may have heard it said would have been the defendants, and they definitely would not admit to it, as it would decide their fate. Delucchi was unable to name whoever said those words, but he was positive it was someone from his division. Luckily, for the African Americans, they had supporters. Thurgood Marshall, who clearly knew what was happening, told reporters, “These men are being tried for mutiny solely because of their race” (Marshall, 122) The men were also frustrated that the whole truth wasn't being heard, such as the working conditions, and the betting among the officers who would be the fastest division. None of these issues were addressed in the trial until Ollie Green testified that he was afraid to go back to work was because of the betting made by the naval officers in each division. The Navy immediately denied the charge, which was definitely going to be believed by the judges, as they were part of the Navy. The judges finally came back with the verdict that each man was guilty, even with no proof that an actual conspiracy was taking place. Even with the testimonies from many of the defendants, and unproven statements by naval officers, racism took over the trial as the proof didn't matter