Monday will mark Oregon's 130th Labor Day. On February 21st, 1887Oregon was the first state to pass a law recognizing Labor Day.
African American's significant contributions to the labor movement are a sometimes overlooked part of labor history. It is important to recognize the roll of race in the labor rights movement and its connections with the civil rights movement.
There is perhaps no more admirable person in American labor history who exemplifies this vital connection than Asa Phillip Randolph.
A. Philip Randolph was born in 1889 in Florida the second son of a methodist minister and a seamstress. After some years as a active member of the socialist party and a anti-war figure he was invited in 1925 to lead a labor union representing the all black Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. He continued to advance the interests of American workers and the civil rights of African Americans until his death on May 16th 1979. A high point in his work was his chairmanship of the 1963 march on Washington famouse for the speech by Dr. Martin Luther King. He was among the first to promote mass movements and demonstrations to fight for labor and civil rights. His pioneering work shapes the civil rights and labor movements to this day.
His work fighting discrimination in the federal government and protecting workers is a example for all Oregonians. This labor day check out the story of his admirable life.
- May 17th 1979 Obituary
- For jobs and freedom : selected speeches and writings of A. Philip Randolph
- Papers; Library of Congress