Book Review: Black Soldiers, White Laws by John A. Haymond

I had to take a couple of days to really digest everything I read in this book. The emotions that overtook me while reading Black Soldiers, White Laws were heavy—anger, heartbreak, and deep conflict. This book is not just well-written, it's powerfully researched and unapologetically honest. I had never heard of the 1917 Houston Riot before, but after reading this, I feel informed—and shaken—by an injustice that went on for decades.

John A. Haymond walks readers through the events of August 23, 1917, when the racial tensions in Houston—ignited by abuse from the local police and ignored complaints—led to a tragic and violent night. What followed was one of the largest court-martials in U.S. history, resulting in the execution of 19 Black soldiers from the 24th Infantry. These men were serving a country that didn’t respect them, and the weight of that injustice is deeply felt in every page.

While I don’t agree with everything that happened that night (I thank the writer for being honest even by retelling what the soliders did that night), I also cannot condone the outcome. The executions, the trials dripping with racial bias, and the decades-long wait for clemency—all of it left me reeling. These men were caught in a system that disregarded their humanity, their service, and their right to justice.

Haymond doesn’t shy away from the ugliness of this chapter in American history. Instead, he lays it bare so that we can confront it. This book isn’t just a historical account—it’s a call to remember, to reflect, and to reckon with the past.

I applaud Mr. Haymond for bringing this painful story into the light. Black Soldiers, White Laws is a must-read—not only to learn about history but to understand how that history continues to shape our present and future.

Black soldiers white lies is a deeply researched and compelling account of one of the most significant yet overlooked episodes of racial injustice in American military history. With meticulous attention to detail, Haymond reconstructs the tragic events of August 23, 1917, and their devastating aftermath, bringing to light the systemic racism that shaped the trials and punishments of the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment. His writing is both evocative and urgent, ensuring that this dark chapter is no longer consigned to obscurity.

That said, the book takes its time weaving through the many layers of the story. The opening chapters, while rich in historical context, move deliberately, introducing figures and events in a way that can feel meandering. The connections between the soldiers' actions, the legal proceedings, and the broader racial tensions of the time are slow to come into full focus. While this measured approach ultimately pays off—deepening the reader’s understanding of the institutional forces at play—it requires patience, particularly in the beginning.

Once the narrative gains momentum, however, Haymond’s account becomes gripping. The court-martials, riddled with injustice, are rendered with striking clarity, and the sheer scale of the legal and moral failures becomes undeniable. The latter sections, which detail the long-overdue clemency granted in 2023, provide a powerful sense of resolution—one that underscores both the weight of history and the possibility of righting past wrongs.

Despite its occasionally slow pacing, This is an essential read. Haymond’s dedication to uncovering the full truth behind this tragedy ensures that these soldiers’ stories are finally heard, and his work serves as a poignant reminder that justice, even when delayed, must never be abandoned

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!