Celebrating a Century of Black History: A Call to Action for Change

This month marks a century since a pivotal moment in American history when Carter Woodson, a Black scholar whose parents had been enslaved, took a bold step towards transforming the recognition of African Americans' contributions. In 1926, Woodson initiated the first "Negro History Week," laying the groundwork for what we now observe as Black History Month.

Woodson envisioned this commemoration as a catalyst for future achievements, not merely a reflection on past events. In his own words, it was intended to "inspire us to greater achievements." Today, as we celebrate Black History Month, we honor the legacy of civil rights and labor leaders who have shaped our nation's history.

Figures like A. Philip Randolph, who established the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters—the first all-Black labor union in the U.S.—and orchestrated the 1963 March on Washington, are remembered for their significant contributions. Similarly, Bill Lucy, former AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer and founding president of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, played a crucial role in ending apartheid in South Africa.

We also remember the Memphis sanitation workers' strike in 1968, a landmark in the fight for racial and economic justice, as they demanded safer working conditions and fair wages.

While we honor these sacrifices, Black History Month is not just a retrospective. It is a celebration of ongoing struggles and achievements, highlighting the power of individuals to incite collective change.

As we approach 2026, the need for advocacy on behalf of working people becomes ever more pressing.

Black workers today face numerous challenges as they navigate rising costs for essentials like food, housing, childcare, and healthcare. At the same time, certain politicians prioritize tax cuts for the wealthy over supporting working families.

The situation extends beyond economics. Historically, public service jobs have been vital for African American families striving for middle-class stability. Even when private sector opportunities were scarce, public service roles offered good-paying union jobs.

For over 150 years, institutions like the United States Postal Service have provided economic security for Black communities. My father, for instance, was able to secure a union job as a bus driver in Cleveland, ensuring a stable upbringing for my family. Today, roughly one in six African American employees work in the public sector, relying on these jobs for a better quality of life.

However, this path to prosperity is under threat. Over the past year, initiatives from the Trump administration have aimed to weaken the public workforce, reducing federal employee numbers, curtailing collective bargaining rights, and implementing significant budget cuts that jeopardize essential public services.

These actions not only undermine public services but also threaten the progress African Americans have made towards achieving the American Dream.

This current reality for Black workers doesn't have to dictate the future.

The strength of civil rights and labor movements over the last century has stemmed from collective action—banding together to make the voices of many resonate louder than the few in power.

Now is the time to advocate for public service workers. It is imperative to raise our voices and demand better conditions for working individuals. Participate in history: join a union, organize your workplace, communicate with your congressional representatives to safeguard public services, and educate those around you about the challenges we face. Engage in this year's primary and general elections.

We must reject a government solely serving the wealthy. A century of Black History Month demonstrates that we have the power to shape our future. It takes just one voice to ignite a movement and push for change.