The Marion High School Black History Club is helping to spotlight a remarkable story with Marion connections.
On Saturday, Oct. 26, the public is invited to a special event celebrating the legacy of Private Gerald Dixon, who served with the 24th Infantry African American regiment and has roots in Marion. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m., and the event will start at 1 p.m. There is no admission charge.
There will be a screening of a documentary film, along with discussion and guest speakers. The event will focus on the history of the Buffalo Soldiers, the Camp Logan Riots in 1917, the injustice done in the wake of the violent clash — and the modern-day work that has re-established an honorable record for Private Gerald Dixon and his fellow soldiers.
This film screening and discussion is a prelude to Private Dixon’s graveside committal with full military honors at Marion National Cemetery at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28.
The 24th Infantry was an African-American regiment established after the Civil War, which served with distinction both domestically and internationally. Following the U.S. entry into World War I, the regiment’s 3rd Battalion, and Dixon along with it, was unexpectedly stationed at a segregated training camp in Houston, Texas, instead of being deployed to Europe.
The soldiers endured harsh discrimination, unfair local laws, and ongoing harassment, creating a tense atmosphere that ultimately led to a tragic and violent confrontation, forever marking the regiment’s history.
On Aug. 23, 1917, soldiers clashed with local citizens, in response to brutal racist treatment by police officers and civilians. The conflict was sparked when two Black soldiers were allegedly beaten by a white police officer in separate incidents. Refusing orders to stand down, soldiers from the 24th armed themselves with service rifles. After two hours of intense fighting, 18 people were dead.
Two months later, the first of three courts martial began under the Articles of War, charging 118 soldiers with crimes such as mutiny, disobeying orders, and murder. All of the accused were represented by the same counsel, who was not a lawyer. In total, eight were acquitted, 19 were executed, and the rest received sentences of varying length.
Dixon was sentenced to life at Leavenworth Penitentiary. After serving nearly seven years, his sentence was commuted to 20 years. Two years later, he was granted parole.
A century later, though, a legal team was successful in their quest for justice. On Nov. 9, 2023, the convictions of all 110 soldiers — including Dixon — were overturned.
With the exoneration established, the path was cleared for Dixon to be buried with full military honors at Marion National Cemetery, 1700 E. 38th St. (Upon his death, he had been buried in a private cemetery with no headstone.) The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28. Those planning to attend are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start. Arrangements are being handled by Owen-Weilert-Duncan Funeral Home, and the officiant will be the Rev. Mallory Tarrance.