BHM: Celebrating Black Labor Leaders

As we celebrate Black History Month 2025, this year’s theme—African Americans and Labor—honors the pivotal role that African Americans have played in shaping the labor movement and advancing social justice. Despite facing systemic racism and exclusion, Black labor leaders have fought tirelessly for fair wages, better working conditions, and equity in the workplace, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire today.

A. Philip Randolph

A. Philip Randolph was a towering figure in the labor movement. As the founder of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters in 1925, he organized the first predominantly Black labor union to receive a charter from the American Federation of Labor. Randolph’s advocacy extended beyond labor rights; he was a key organizer of the 1963 March on Washington.

Dorothy Lee Bolden

Dorothy Lee Bolden transformed domestic workers’ rights in the 1960s. By founding the National Domestic Workers Union of America, she empowered thousands of domestic workers to fight for fair wages and improved working conditions.

C.L. Dellums

C.L. Dellums, an early leader in the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, worked alongside Randolph to fight for fair wages and racial equality. His efforts laid the groundwork for labor protections that benefited all workers, especially those in marginalized communities.

Addie Wyatt

Addie Wyatt, one of the first female Black union leaders, played a critical role in advocating for equal pay and workplace equity. As a labor activist and co-founder of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, Wyatt left an enduring legacy for women in the workforce.

These leaders and countless others have left an indelible mark on the labor movement and civil rights in America. Their courage and dedication remind us of the essential contributions African Americans have made to the nation’s workforce and labor justice, a legacy that continues to shape the future.