Black History Month is a reminder of the importance of the civil rights movement not just within American history, but the significant role it plays in our future. As we honor the civil rights champions who refused to accept a systems of segregation and hate, we celebrate the achievements they have made in fostering equality and justice for all. Their noble fight to advance racial equality is one that we continue today, intertwined in the fight to defend worker’s rights.
Throughout history, the labor and civil rights movement have harnessed their collective power to work together towards their common goal enacting lasting change. Many prominent figures in the civil rights movement such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., A. Philip Randolph, Bayard Rustin and Hattie Canty, walked picket lines, were active union members, and led the charge to desegregate unions.
It is thanks to their efforts and tenacity in the face of injustice that diversity and equality flourish within the labor movement as it continues to grow. During this month, we also recognize Black union members from every sector of the labor movement who are leaders of today, and who continue to push for progress. Together, united under one labor movement we must all continue the work of building a society that lives up to its full potential of respect for all humanity.