Despite racism and segregation, black Americans were still very eager to serve America.

Despite racism and segregation, black Americans were still very eager to serve America, argues Steven Sheinkin in his book The Port Chicago 50. Sheinkin reaches this conclusion and argues this point not only drawing on evidence, but the very words and beliefs of the men themselves who served. It is important to Sheinkin that he views the event not only from a general standpoint so that readers can contextualize everything going on – but also directly through the experiences of the men themselves.

Prior to World War II, blacks had served heroically, courageously, and admirably in wars dating back to the American Revolution. Despite their willingness to fight and die for America, their country did not wholly accept them or give them equal rights. Nevertheless, blacks continued to volunteer for service in the American military because they had...