In a remarkable turn of events, Private Albert King, a Black soldier, was finally laid to rest with Army honors 83 years after his death [4a484ed7]. Private King enlisted to fight in World War II and tragically lost his life in a fight with white bus drivers and soldiers on a segregated bus. Initially, his death was covered up as a result of his own misconduct. However, in 2022, it was officially recognized as occurring in the line of duty [4a484ed7].
Advocates such as Rose Zoltek-Jick and Helen Russell played instrumental roles in clearing Private King's name and ensuring his sacrifice was honored. They worked tirelessly to bring attention to his case and correct the historical injustice related to race. Representative Sanford Bishop and Black judge William H. Hastie also played key roles in advocating for Private King's recognition [4a484ed7].
The Army's decision to reinstate the original ruling on Private King's cause of death is part of a broader initiative to correct historical injustices related to race. This decision reflects a commitment to acknowledging and rectifying past wrongs [4a484ed7].
Private King's cousin, Helen Russell, spearheaded the push for a military memorial to honor his memory. Additionally, plans are underway to incorporate Private King's story into the school curriculum in Michigan, ensuring that future generations learn about his sacrifice and the ongoing fight for justice [4a484ed7].
The inscription on Private King's headstone serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring fight for justice and the commitment to keeping his memory alive. It symbolizes the recognition of Private King's sacrifice and the broader struggle for racial equality [4a484ed7].