“The 24th” (2020) starring Trai Byers, Bashir Salahuddin, Aja Naomi King, Mo McRae, Tosin Morohunfola, Mykelti Williamson and Thomas Haden Church / Z-View
The 24th (2020)
Director: Kevin Willmott
Screenplay: Kevin Willmott, Trai Byers
Stars: Trai Byers, Bashir Salahuddin, Aja Naomi King, Mo McRae, Tosin Morohunfola, Mykelti Williamson and Thomas Haden Church.
Tagline: Courage isn’t just fighting the enemy — it’s standing up for justice.
The Plot…
1917. An all black US army unit is stationed just outside the city limits. Although the soldiers are trained and want to help in the war effort, because of segregation they’re not allowed. Worse still, the men face racial discrimination every time they go into the city. Not only are the local police of no assistance, they often participate in the mistreatment of the soldiers.
Tension and frustration continues to ratchet up. Soldiers have been beaten and worse. When word reaches the camp that an armed white mob was headed for the base, the soldiers arm themselves. The soldiers decide to not wait and take the fight to the mob. They head into the city and begin shooting locals on site.
It isn’t until after 11 civilians and 5 policemen are gunned down that the soldiers learn that there never was an armed mob coming to the base.
There will be repercussions.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The 24th is the true story of the 1917 Huston riot. Although I had heard of the riot, I had no idea of the specifics.
The riot lasted two hours. Nineteen people were killed. Fifteen were white (including five police officers). Four were black soldiers killed by friendly fire or suicide. 118 black soldiers were charged and went to trial. One soldier was found mentally unfit to stand trial. Eight were acquitted of all charges. Sixty-three soldiers were sentenced to life in prison. 28 received shorter prison terms or other sentences. 19 were sentenced to death and executed.
The 24th does a good job of dramatizing a terrible time in our history.
The 24th (2020) rates 4 of 5 stars.
