In response to the 1917 #Houston riots during the World War I era, the convictions of 110 Black soldiers have been overturned by the US Army. These soldiers, belonging to the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, commonly known as the Buffalo Soldiers, experienced racial injustice and unfair trials, as revealed by the #Army Board for Correction of #Military Records. This corrective measure is part of a broader initiative to address historical injustices, with the Army issuing honorable discharges and establishing a process for the soldiers' relatives to access military benefits.
The #BuffaloSoldiers found themselves in a racially discriminatory environment governed by #JimCrow laws during the Houston riots. Confronted with racist provocations and violence, more than 100 Black soldiers took up arms in self-defense, resulting in clashes that claimed 19 lives. Subsequent court-martials by the Army, marked by irregularities, culminated in the largest mass execution of soldiers in the branch's history.
The recent decision by the Army seeks to rectify the miscarriage of justice suffered by the soldiers and their families. Relatives, including Fatimah Gilliam, whose great-great-uncle Jesse Ball Moore faced execution after the Houston riots, express gratitude for recognizing the soldiers' honorable service. Actions by the Army encompass correcting military records, extending survivor benefits to families, and providing new tombstones for affected soldiers. This initiative aligns with broader efforts across US institutions to confront historical injustices tied to slavery and racism.
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Link: CNN
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