The Army Corrects a Decades-Old Injustice with a Military Funeral for Pvt. Albert King
In a Georgia cemetery, amidst weathered tombstones, Pvt. Albert King’s newly unveiled headstone shines brightly, marking the end of an 83-year wait for a proper military funeral. Pvt. King, who enlisted to fight in World War II, tragically lost his life in a racially motivated incident involving white bus drivers and soldiers on a segregated bus.
For decades, Pvt. King’s death was shrouded in injustice, with the Army initially ruling it as a line of duty death, only to later reverse their decision under pressure from higher-ups. It wasn’t until three years ago that the truth of Pvt. King’s death came to light, thanks to the efforts of three pro bono lawyers who fought to reinstate his original classification.
The unveiling of Pvt. King’s memorial is part of the Army’s ongoing efforts to correct historical injustices related to race, including renaming bases originally named for Confederate generals and overturning convictions of Black soldiers accused of rioting in the past.
Helen Russell, Pvt. King’s cousin and primary advocate, has been instrumental in ensuring that Pvt. King’s story is finally told and honored. With the help of legal experts and advocacy groups, she fought tirelessly to clear Pvt. King’s name and secure a proper military funeral.
Representative Sanford Bishop of Georgia, a descendant of slaves and a child of Jim Crow, spoke at Pvt. King’s grave, acknowledging the long overdue justice for Pvt. King. The ceremony was a poignant reminder of the power of perseverance and advocacy in righting historical wrongs.
As Pvt. King’s story is finally brought to light, his cousin Helen Russell continues to fight for his legacy to be included in school curriculums, ensuring that future generations learn about his sacrifice and the importance of seeking justice.
