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The United States labor force was built by working men and women

With job layoffs and terminations occurring around the country, employment stability is seemingly becoming more insecure than ever. The United States has not experienced this type of significant massive reduction in the work force since The Great Depression of the 1930’s. Though, unlike The Great Depression being the result of a severe global economic decline, the implications are clear. These recent employment cessations appear to be a deliberate act of natural attrition.

The United States labor force was built by working men and women whose struggles and achievements deserve a focal place in American labor history. As the old crafts came into completion with an emerging factory system and the use of cheap, semiskilled labor, the impulse to the rise of trade unions occurred. In 1933 the National Industrial Recovery Act guaranteed to labor the right to bargain through representatives of its choosing (collective bargaining). This largely stemmed from the organization of public employees.

In honor of Black (American) History, we want to highlight and celebrate the potent impact of Black Americans and labor. African Americans and labor reflect the intersections of Black people’s work and workplace throughout history. Work is at the very center of much of Black history and culture. Whether it is the traditional agricultural labor of enslaved Africans, Black educators encouraging vocational training, learning to help yourself strategies and entrepreneurship in Black communities. This notion of work also constitutes compensated labor in factories, the military, government agencies, office buildings, public service, and private homes. It also consists of community building of social justice activists, voluntary workers serving others, and institution building in churches, community groups, social clubs, and organizations.

Black American contributions to the built landscape can be found in every part of the nation as they constructed and designed some of the most iconic examples of architectural heritage in the country, specifically in the South. One such group endeavored to organize for better working conditions and compensation. We pay tribute and honor to the achievement, vision, and trailblazing, while celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car

Porters and Maids. They were the first Black union to be recognized by the American Federation of Labor.

Founded on August 25^th, 1925 by A. Philip Randolph incorporating his ideas about economic justice and prioritizing Black people to be considered full citizens. The union motto to sum up their resentment over working conditions: “Fight or Be Slaves.” They had an aggressive and genuine commitment to be organized to improve the working conditions, worker rights, and the lives of Black workers, their families, and their communities. This ushered efforts to force a presidential administration to ban employment discrimination and end racial segregation in the military. Their skilled negotiations for increasing labor standards eventually and effectively secured a contract with their employer raising the wages of porters and maids. Black women also formed unions to push for job security, reproductive rights, and higher wages.

In recognition, with great respect, pride, and tribute, we celebrate our shared American history, the legacy of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids for their contribution to the American story.

“Freedom is never granted: It is won. Justice is never given: It is exacted. Freedom and justice must be struggled for by the oppressed of all lands and races.”

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