The New Jersey State AFL-CIO celebrates Black History Month 2022 by calling for action to protect the rights of workers to organize and vote.
The labor movement of today was shaped by leaders like A. Philip Randolph, who organized the first predominately Black labor union, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. Randolph’s experience in labor organizing helped push the country towards greater equality and fairness.
Together with civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., they won landmark victories including the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act.
These accomplishments continue to inspire generations of labor and civil rights leaders from all backgrounds.
Today, the labor and civil rights legacy of Randolph and King is under threat from anti-labor and restrictive voting laws around the country.
And while everyone may not be able to lead a March on Washington, you can stand up for equal rights and show solidarity by taking action in your community.
You can honor this month by registering to vote, sharing information about the importance of voting for the labor movement, and making a plan to support pro-labor candidates in elections.
Together, we can ensure New Jersey’s labor movement continues to be a leader for fairness, equality, and solidarity.