On December 13, 2022, Concord, CA's City Council voted unanimously to pass a resolution supporting efforts to exonerate the Port Chicago 50.
The resolution affirms the Concord City Council's support for all future efforts which urge the President and Congress of the United States to take all necessary actions to restore honor to, and rectify the mistreatment by the United States Military of, any sailors who were unjustly blamed for and convicted of mutiny after the Port Chicago disaster.
At the meeting, Councilmember Carlyn Obringer thanked Mayor Laura M. Hoffmeister for moving to add the resolution to the agenda. Obringer stated:
- "This is the time to really get justice for these fifty brave sailors. By approving this resolution we will be taking another step toward resolution of this situation and final exoneration."
Obringer then shared the url for the online petition with those attending and watching the meeting via Zoom.
Councilmember Laura Nakamura supported the resolution, saying:
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"We know that racial bias was present in the blame for the Black sailors, and it's time to acknowledge that and work towards full resolution. They deserve no less than an honorable discharge.
Personally, I can't imagine what the impact on the families were; not just the trauma from the event, but also the repercussions from being jailed, loss of jobs, and the blame being placed on them for their own injuries. I agree with passing this resolution."
Concord's City Council previously voted unanimously in 2021 to support naming the former Concord Hills Regional Park to Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50. ⋆