The explosion in 1944 killed 320 sailors and civilians, with 75% being Black. Black sailors had to clean up while white officers recuperated, exposing racist disparities.
Black sailors, responsible for loading ships at the critical ammunition supply site, faced unsafe conditions and were denied training. Punishments followed their refusal to work without safety improvements.
Fifty Black sailors were convicted of mutiny for demanding safety measures post-explosion. Navy Secretary acknowledges the unjust treatment and lack of legal process for the sailors involved.
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