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Port Chicago 50: Ten Toes Down
Oaklandish is proud to partner with the Port Chicago Alliance (PCA) in honor of Oakland’s first official Port Chicago Remembrance Day. This powerful collaboration honors the bravery and legacy of the East Bay's Port Chicago 50—a group of young Black Sailors who stood up against injustice and helped spark a movement for civil rights within the U.S. military.
Set against the backdrop of World War II, the Port Chicago 50 refused to return to unsafe, segregated working conditions after a deadly explosion killed over 300 men at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in 1944. Facing threats of execution if they did not comply, the Port Chicago 50 stood their ground, shining a national spotlight on the brutal realities of Jim Crow segregation and paving the way for the Navy’s desegregation. Today, they are honored as heroes who held the military accountable, helped transform the U.S. Navy, and helped lay the groundwork for the broader civil rights movement. Last year, after decades of advocacy by families, community leaders, and a coalition of elected officials—with Oakland’s Barbara Lee playing a pivotal role—the Sailors were finally exonerated by the Navy, 80 years after their stand.
The “Port Chicago 50” Ten Toes Down tee—named for a phrase meaning fully committed—is a tribute to that unwavering courage. It comes in two bold styles:
• Red lettering on black, reflecting the clarity and conviction of the Sailors’ stand.
• Blue, red, and yellow on cream, symbolizing their Navy service, the explosion that changed history, and the ongoing hope for recognition and repair.
“This collaboration with Oaklandish is about more than just apparel—it’s about reclaiming a chapter of Bay Area history that was buried for too long,” said Yulie Padmore, executive
director of Port Chicago Alliance. “ Oaklandish has always stood for community, equity, and civic pride, and we couldn’t think of a better partner for this moment.”
The shirts will be available at Oaklandish Downtown retail location and online for a limited time, with a portion of proceeds supporting PCA's ongoing work to locate descendants, secure restitution, and educate the public about this landmark moment in Bay Area civil rights history.
Port Chicago Remembrance Day is officially recognized by the City of Oakland and will be commemorated this year with community events, complimentary ship tours, wellness walks, and educational programs across the East Bay.
By wearing this shirt, PCA and Oaklandish invite you to honor the past, walk in truth, and stand ten toes down in the fight for justice.
Shop the collection: Hometown Collection
For additional information: Port Chicago Weekend