Port Chicago 50

This week I read Port Chicago 50, a book about black sailors in the Navy. The book is set in WWII, and the sailors are at Port Chicago, a port in the Bay Area. These sailors are in a segregated part of the Navy, and are restricted to working only on shore. Many black men that join the Navy load bombs and ammunition onto ships for transport to American war zones. The occupation of loading bombs is very dangerous, and none of the black sailors have andy training in handling explosives. The black sailors load all of the ammunition, and they are directed by white officers. Because of this, there is tension between the officers and the sailors, and also with the surrounding towns and cities. After a massive explosion, the sailors start to protest the dangerous conditions, and the prejudice and injustice they face.

This book had a great plot, as well as having real quotes and opinions from real people. It was interesting to learn about the history of segregation in the military, as well as learning about real events in the past. This book was nonfiction, but that did not affect how good the plot and characters were. I would rate this book at an 8 out of 10.