This February, Old Dominion University proudly observes Black History Month, honoring the achievements, contributions, and resilience of African Americans throughout history. This year’s theme “African Americans and Labor,” calls us to reflect on the invisible changemakers of industry and community building and highlight the indelible mark African Americans have left on the labor movement, industry, and economic growth of our nation, particularly within our own region.

Hampton Roads, with its rich history as a hub of maritime trade, military activity, and industrial development, has long been shaped by the labor of African Americans. From the enslaved workers who built the foundation of our cities to the skilled artisans, dockworkers, and shipbuilders who powered the local economy, their contributions have been pivotal. Institutions such as the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and historic Black labor unions like the International Longshoremen’s Association have further underscored the role of African Americans in advancing labor equity and innovation in the region.

We also honor the tireless efforts of those who fought for workers’ rights, fair wages, and equity in the workplace—individuals whose courage continues to inspire. Their legacy reminds us of the ongoing need to advocate for justice, opportunity, and dignity for all.

As a campus community, Old Dominion University reaffirms its commitment to celebrating and advancing inclusive excellence and ensuring an environment where the contributions of all are recognized and valued. This includes organizations such as the Coalition of Black Faculty and Administrators, an employee resource group designed to advocate for the advancement and success of ODU’s Black community by providing networking and mentorship, as well as cultural, professional, and social resources. Additionally, there are many academic and social organizations that support African American students in their pursuit of an education, leadership development, and career success, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment with the University community.

We encourage all Monarchs to participate in events, discussions, and programs throughout February to engage with this important history and its relevance to our present and future. The Office of Intercultural Relations has created a calendar of events which can be found here: Black History Month Events | Old Dominion University. We have also curated a list of resources commemorating this year’s theme which can be found below.

Let us celebrate not only the labor of African Americans but also their vision and determination, which have built and continue to shape the fabric of Hampton Roads and beyond.

Black History Month Resource Guide:
African Americans and Labor

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This resource guide provides a snapshot of how African Americans have shaped labor history across various fields, from traditional industries to creative economies. Their resilience and activism continue to inspire movements for economic justice and cultural recognition today.

The Foundations of Black Labor: Enslavement and Reconstruction

African American labor has been a cornerstone of U.S. economic development, beginning with centuries of enslaved labor that built industries such as agriculture, construction, and domestic work. After emancipation, Black workers faced exploitative systems like sharecropping and convict leasing, which restricted economic mobility. However, the period of Reconstruction (1865-1877) saw significant advancements, with Black entrepreneurs, craftsmen, and landowners emerging despite systemic barriers.

Notable Figures & Events:

African Americans and Organized Labor

Deep exclusion from many early labor unions, Black workers played a crucial role in organizing for fair wages and better conditions. The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, led by A. Philip Randolph, became the first African American-led labor union to secure a contract with a major corporation in 1937. Black workers were also instrumental in the Civil Rights Movement, using labor organizing as a platform for broader social justice.

Notable Figures & Events:

  • A. Philip Randolph (1889-1979)—A labor leader and civil rights activist who co-organized the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom.

  • CIO’s Inclusion of Black Workers (1930s-1940s)—The Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) was one of the first major labor organizations to integrate Black workers into unions.

Additional Resources:

African Americans and Military Service

Black Americans have served in every U.S. war, often fighting for freedoms they were denied at home. From the Buffalo Soldiers of the post-Civil War era to the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, African Americans have demonstrated resilience and excellence in military service. The desegregation of the armed forces in 1948, led by Executive Order 9981, was a landmark moment in both labor and civil rights.

Notable Figures & Events:

Additional Resources:

African Americans in Fashion and Entertainment

The fashion and entertainment industries have long been shaped by Black designers, models, musicians, actors, and behind-the-scenes professionals who have fought for equity and recognition. From the Harlem Renaissance to present-day red carpets, Black creatives have innovated styles, sounds, and narratives that drive global culture while often facing exploitation and underpayment.

Notable Figures & Events:

  • Anne Lowe (1898-1981)—A pioneering Black fashion designer who created Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress but received little credit.

  • The Writers and Actors Strikes (2023)—The strikes included demands for more equitable pay and protections against AI in Hollywood, significantly impacting Black actors and screenwriters.

Additional Resources:

Black Labor and the Fight for Economic Justice

The struggle for labor rights remains central to Black economic empowerment. From the Civil Rights movement, which had strong labor roots, to modern fights for fair wages and equitable employment opportunities, African Americans continue to push for workplace justice. Black women have often been on the forefront of labor activism, advocating for fair wages, workplace protections, and childcare support. Many worked as domestic workers, teachers, and nurses, often in exploitative conditions

Notable Figures & Events:

  • The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom (1963)—Though remembered as a Civil Rights rally, this event was deeply tied to economic justice, with demands for fair wages and employment rights.

  • Addie Wyatt—One of the first Black women to hold a leadership role in a major labor union (United Packinghouse Workers of America).
  • Memphis Sanitation Workers’ Strike (1968)—One of the most significant labor protests in Black history, which began after the deaths of two Black sanitation workers. The strike became a flashpoint for economic and racial justice, attracting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who saw the struggles as part of a broader push for fair wages and workers’ rights. The strikers’ iconic “I AM A MAN” signs became a powerful symbol of dignity and justice.
  • The Fight for $15 (2012-present)—A movement advocating for higher minimum wage, has been led, in large part, by Black and Brown workers in industries like fast food, retail, and healthcare. Additionally, Black labor activists continue to push for fair wages, access to capital for Black entrepreneurs, and stronger workplace protections.

Additional Resources: