Teamsters Honor Black History Month
Editorial StaffTL/DR -
The Teamsters Union is celebrating Black History Month, recognizing the contributions Black Americans have made to the country, organized labor, and the union itself. Early in its history, the Teamsters advocated for equal rights, with Black members attending its founding convention in 1903 and contracts from as early as 1917 including provisions for equal pay regardless of race. Acknowledging the ongoing struggle against systemic racism, the union commits to continue uplifting the stories of Black Americans who have shaped the trade union movement and human progress.
News
2024.02.01
As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor the significant roles Black Americans have played not just in the country's history, but also in the development of the Teamsters Union and the American labor movement. Black history is intertwined with ours, and their contributions have left indelible marks on the labor movement and the lives of working people.
From the onset, the Teamsters Union championed inclusivity, shunning separate unions for Black members and promoting the concept of "no color lines." Black members have been part of our Union from its inception in 1903.
As early as 1917, the Teamsters signed contracts that vouched for equal pay across all races. The Union stood alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s, united in the fight for racial equality and economic justice.
Although we've made strides, there's still much to be done to eliminate institutional prejudices that affect Black Americans. Black History Month gives us a moment to remember Black Americans who've made significant strides despite systemic racism.
The Teamsters Union remains committed to sharing these stories, to learn from, and celebrate the legacies left by Black Americans within our union, the labor movement, and the world at large.
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