Interviewer: Emma Brown

Project: University Of Houston

Houston Community College history professor Angela Holder discusses the Camp Logan Riot of 1917. She discusses the location of Camp Logan, and describes how the all-African American Third Battalion of the Twenty-fourth Infantry Regiment was stationed there, after serving diligently in Mexico. Holder discusses the events that preceded the riot, including an incident involving two white police officers and a black woman in a state of undress. She then discusses the theory that the men were trying to defend themselves, and discusses various forms of disrespect the men faced including verbal abuse and loss of side arms. Holder then discusses how the trial of the sixty-three men lead to a smoother transition to integration in Houston during the Civil Rights Movement. She speaks of her great-uncle Jesse Moore, who was hung for involvement in the riot, and discusses the need to prevent such a loss of life, especially after such a quick murder trial. Holder discusses reforms in the military’s system for trying murder cases, and further discusses some of the more questionable deaths that occurred during or after the riot including Bryan Watson, due to friendly fire, and Vida Henry. Holder notes that no white officers were tried, and the mysterious death of Captain Bartlett James. She also discusses how Captain Haig Shekerjiaf changes from defense to the prosecution after the death of Captain James. Holder discusses the unmarked graves Vida Henry and Bryan Watson at the College Memorial Park Cemetery, how the military appears to have dumped these men, and her efforts with the College Memorial Park Cemetery Restoration Project.