⚓ The Port Chicago Alliance (PCA) played a pivotal role in securing long-overdue justice for the Port Chicago Sailors. Through persistent community-driven advocacy, PCA mobilized support across California, working with the State Legislature, counties, cities, and civic organizations to pass resolutions calling for the Sailors’ exoneration.

In parallel, PCA maintained ongoing communications with the Office of the Secretary of the Navy and Members of U.S. Congress, ensuring federal leadership was regularly updated on community efforts and underscoring the urgency of action. PCA also created a comprehensive digital archive of historical documents, articles, resolutions, and related resources that helped inform the record and were later utilized by the U.S. Navy in its review process.

Additionally, in her capacity as a member of the Contra Costa County Bar Association Port Chicago Task Force, PCA Executive Director Yulie Padmore collaborated with Task Force Chair and attorney Jonathan Lee and the civil rights organization Citizens for Historical Equity to develop a compelling legal argument challenging the Navy's 1994 BCNR decision and calling for a new judgment in favor of the Sailors.

The 78th Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, signs the exoneration papers on July 17, 2024.

“Advocacy by groups like the Port Chicago Alliance convinced the Navy to finally issue a full exoneration of the Sailors.”

- Bay Area News Group, May 11, 2025

This powerful combination of grassroots mobilization, legal advocacy, and direct engagement at the highest levels of government ensured that the voices of families, descendants, and advocates could not be ignored, and on July 17, 2024 the Port Chicago Sailors were finally exonerated.

Following the announcement, PCA was commended by the U.S. Navy, California's 12th Congressional District, and the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors for its unwavering leadership, grassroots advocacy, and commitment to securing justice for the Port Chicago Sailors and their families. ⚑