In 1944, Joseph James filed a lawsuit against the Marinship Corp. and the union for
its "closed-shop" practices, and eventually the California Supreme Court ruled in
favor of James.

"This was a major victory in the civil rights movement that upheld the
federal prohibition on racial discrimination outlined in President Roosevelt's
Executive Order 8802," wrote the authors of a historical evaluation of 25 Liberty Ship
Way commissioned by the VA.

"It became the precedent for many future civil rights
cases involving racial discrimination against African-Americans." James went on to
become president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People.

Admission is free, with no RSVP necessary. Please arrive early, as seating is limited
Donations appreciated.