In 1917, the US Army executed 13 black soldiers by hanging after a deadly riot in Houston, Texas between the soldiers and other white soldiers and locals. Months later 6 more were executed. This week, the Army announced it was overturning the convictions of those 19 men and 97 others citing a trial that deprived them of basic due process rights. The trial, and subsequent snap execution of these men, became known as one of the most unjust military trials in US history. The decision now makes it possible for their descendants to receive benefits and even potentially reparations. My guest is Fatimah Gilliam, whose great great uncle was one of the 19 executed.
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