Commissioner Rodney Ellis and County Judge Lina Hidalgo on Tuesday, Dec. 5, will announce Commissioners Court will vote on a resolution to recognize the African American soldiers and apologize to their families for the miscarriage of justice during the 1917 Camp Logan Riots in Houston. “… On behalf of our region, Harris County Commissioners Court apologizes to the families of all the soldiers who were killed, beaten, harassed, unfairly convicted, and denied their rights to due process and equal protection under the law while serving our country in Harris County,” states the resolution, which Commissioner Ellis will present. “The Harris County Commissioners Court salutes the soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment who served at Camp Logan and their courage in the face of extreme racism and injustice; commends the individuals who fought for their clemency,” it continues.
The U.S. Army recently set aside the convictions of 110 Black soldiers who were convicted after the riots. Nineteen were hanged, and 63 received life sentences. “I am putting forward a resolution at Commissioners Court commending these families for their perseverance to shine a light on this injustice,” Commissioner Ellis said.
