Private Albert King’s story is one of racial injustice and redemption, spanning over 80 years. Enlisting to fight in World War II, Private King instead lost his life in a fight with white bus drivers and soldiers on a segregated bus. Shot and killed by a white military police officer near Fort Benning, his death was initially covered up as a result of his own misconduct. However, in 2022, his death was officially recognized as occurring in the line of duty, leading to a full military funeral.
Advocates such as Rose Zoltek-Jick, a law professor at Northeastern University, worked tirelessly to clear Private King’s name and ensure his sacrifice was honored. The decision to reinstate the original ruling on his cause of death represents a broader initiative by the Army to correct historical injustices related to race. This effort includes renaming bases originally dedicated to Confederate generals and overturning convictions of Black soldiers falsely accused of crimes in the past.
Helen Russell, Private King’s cousin, spearheaded the push for a military memorial with support from the Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project and her legal team. Despite never meeting Private King, she felt a familial connection and a responsibility to ensure his story was told. The ceremony at the cemetery in Georgia marked a long-overdue recognition of Private King’s service and the injustices he faced.
Various individuals, including Representative Sanford Bishop and Black judge William H. Hastie, played key roles in bringing attention to Private King’s case over the years. Their efforts, alongside those of journalists, lawyers, and advocates, culminated in the official acknowledgment of his death in the line of duty. The inscription on Private King’s headstone, chosen by Ms. Russell, reflects the enduring fight for justice and the commitment to keeping his memory alive.
Moving forward, Ms. Russell plans to incorporate Private King’s story into the school curriculum in Michigan, ensuring that future generations understand the significance of his sacrifice and the ongoing struggle for racial equality. The lasting impact of Private King’s case serves as a testament to the power of advocacy and the importance of confronting past injustices. Through collective efforts and persistence, his legacy has been honored, and his name cleansed of the stain that marred it for decades.
