Black History
Robert L. Allen, 82, Leaves Legacy of Civil Rights Activism and Scholarship
Robert L. Allen, historian scholar, and civil rights activist, died on July 10 at 82. One of his important works, “The Port Chicago Mutiny,” played a significant role in the struggle that ultimately led to the exoneration this month of the African American sailors who were convicted of mutiny during World War II for going on strike following a deadly munitions explosion that claimed the lives of hundreds.
By Ken Epstein
Robert L. Allen, historian scholar, and civil rights activist, died on July 10 at 82. One of his important works, “The Port Chicago Mutiny,” played a significant role in the struggle that ultimately led to the exoneration this month of the African American sailors who were convicted of mutiny during World War II for going on strike following a deadly munitions explosion that claimed the lives of hundreds.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 29, 1942, Allen learned at an early age about social responsibility from his parents, who were community activists, developing a lifelong commitment to social justice.
Allen was 13 when Emmett Till, who was 14 when he was brutally murdered in Mississippi in 1955. “This s when I realized that the white people were not only dangerous, but they were dangerous to all of us, including me, because he was my age,” Allen said in an interview quoted in the New York Times.
He graduated from Morehouse College with a Bachelor of Arts in 1963, where he was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He earned a Ph.D. in sociology in 1983 from the University of California. He doctoral research on racial dynamics within labor movements laid the basis of some his later work.
Dr. Allen served as a professor and chair of the ethnic studies department at Mills College in Oakland. In 1994, he was hired as a professor of ethnic student and African American studies at UC Berkeley.
Allen’s book, “The Port Chicago Mutiny” was published in 1989, thoroughly researching the 1944 explosion at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in the San Francisco Bay Area, which killed 320 men, most of whom were African American. The book documented the strike of the surviving African American sailors against hazardous and segregated working conditions, and the Navy’s subsequent harsh punishment of the sailors, exposing racial discrimination in the military and society at large.
Allen brought to light this buried history and advocated for justice for the Port Chicago 50, who after 80 years were finally exonerated by the Secretary of the Navy on July 17, 2024, shortly after Allen died.
His research focused on the systemic roots of oppression and examined the interconnected struggles of marginalized communities. His books included:
“Black Awakening in Capitalist America: An Analytic History” (1969),
which examines the rise of Black Power movements and the economic conditions that impacted them;
“Reluctant Reformers: Racism and Social Reform Movements in the United States” (1974), which analyzes the history of social reform movements in the U.S. and their contradictory approach to racial justice;
“Brotherman: The Odyssey of Black Men in America” (1996).
Co-authored with Herb Boyd, these are essays and stories exploring the experiences faced by African American men throughout history. The book delves into various aspects of the Black male experience in America.
“The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters: C.L. Dellums and the Fight for Fair Treatment and Civil Right.” This book delves into the history of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and the role of C.L. Dellums in the fight for civil rights and labor equality.
Dr. Allen was also senior editor and writer for The Black Scholar journal and co-founded the small press, Wild Trees Press, with Alice Walker, with whom he was in a relationship at the time.
Allen is survived by his wife Zelia Bora; son, Casey Allen; sisters, Damaris Kirschhofer, Teresa Coughanour, and Rebecca Allen; and three grandchildren.
Yulie Padmore, executive director of a group called the Port Chicago Alliance, gave Allen credit for his steadfast work for justice for the Black sailors.
“Without his work, we wouldn’t know what we know today,” she said in an interview with the New York Times. “We wouldn’t be here without him talking to the men and hearing what they wanted to say all along.”
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025
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Activism
OPINION: Your Voice and Vote Impact the Quality of Your Health Care
One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.
By Rhonda M. Smith, Special to California Black Media Partners
Shortly after last year’s election, I hopped into a Lyft and struck up a conversation with the driver. As we talked, the topic inevitably turned to politics. He confidently told me that he didn’t vote — not because he supported Donald Trump, but because he didn’t like Kamala Harris’ résumé. When I asked what exactly he didn’t like, he couldn’t specifically articulate his dislike or point to anything specific. In his words, he “just didn’t like her résumé.”
That moment really hit hard for me. As a Black woman, I’ve lived through enough election cycles to recognize how often uncertainty, misinformation, or political apathy keep people from voting, especially Black voters whose voices are historically left out of the conversation and whose health, economic security, and opportunities are directly impacted by the individual elected to office, and the legislative branches and political parties that push forth their agenda.
That conversation with the Lyft driver reflects a troubling surge in fear-driven politics across our country. We’ve seen White House executive orders gut federal programs meant to help our most vulnerable populations and policies that systematically exclude or harm Black and underserved communities.
One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.
Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, doesn’t just cover care. It protects individuals and families from medical debt, keeps rural hospitals open, creates jobs, and helps our communities thrive. Simply put; Medicaid is a lifeline for 1 in 5 Black Americans. For many, it’s the only thing standing between them and a medical emergency they can’t afford, especially with the skyrocketing costs of health care. The proposed cuts mean up to 7.2 million Black Americans could lose their healthcare coverage, making it harder for them to receive timely, life-saving care. Cuts to Medicaid would also result in fewer prenatal visits, delayed cancer screenings, unfilled prescriptions, and closures of community clinics. When healthcare is inaccessible or unaffordable, it doesn’t just harm individuals, it weakens entire communities and widens inequities.
The reality is Black Americans already face disproportionately higher rates of poorer health outcomes. Our life expectancy is nearly five years shorter in comparison to White Americans. Black pregnant people are 3.6 times more likely to die during pregnancy or postpartum than their white counterparts.
These policies don’t happen in a vacuum. They are determined by who holds power and who shows up to vote. Showing up amplifies our voices. Taking action and exercising our right to vote is how we express our power.
I urge you to start today. Call your representatives, on both sides of the aisle, and demand they protect Medicaid (Medi-Cal), the Affordable Care Act (Covered CA), and access to food assistance programs, maternal health resources, mental health services, and protect our basic freedoms and human rights. Stay informed, talk to your neighbors and register to vote.
About the Author
Rhonda M. Smith is the Executive Director of the California Black Health Network, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to advancing health equity for all Black Californians.
Activism
IN MEMORIAM: Nate Holden, State Senator and Longtime Los Angeles Councilmember, Dies at 95
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn described Holden as “a lion” in the State Senate and a force to be reckoned with on the Los Angeles City Council.” Hahn added that she learned a lot working with Holden when she was a new councilmember.
By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
Former Los Angeles City Councilmember Nathaniel “Nate” Holden, a prominent figure in the city’s politics, passed away at the age of 95, his family confirmed on May 7.
Holden, who represented South Los Angeles for 16 years on the City Council and served one term in the California State Senate, was widely regarded as a forceful advocate for his community.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn described Holden as “a lion” in the State Senate and a force to be reckoned with on the Los Angeles City Council.”
Hahn added that she learned a lot working with Holden when she was a new councilmember.
Holden’s journey to political prominence began in the segregated South, where he was born in Macon, Georgia, in 1929. He often recalled the childhood moment when he first heard the governor of Georgia vowing to continue suppressing Black people.
“Doing the best you can for the people. Law and order. Make sure that people’s communities are safe. I did it all,” said Holden, reflecting on his legacy.
Holden is survived by his sons, including former California Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represented a district in Southern California that includes Pasadena and Altadena in Los Angeles County and cities in San Bernardino County.
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Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025
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