February is Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions of Black labor leaders and union members. This year has been challenging for people of color, with the White House rolling back initiatives aimed at protecting diversity and inclusion. There have also been actions that erase civil rights protections and result in the dismissal of Black federal workers.

These developments intensify the ongoing struggle against systemic racism and for economic justice. The civil rights movement and labor movement historically rose together, reinforcing each other’s efforts. As Bayard Rustin, a prominent labor leader, stated: “To be afraid is to behave as if the truth were not true.”

This year marks a significant milestone—the 100th anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP), America's first Black labor union to join the American Federation of Labor (AFL). The courage demonstrated by BSCP members serves as inspiration in building a nation that ensures dignity for all workers.

Throughout this month, there will be a focus on highlighting Black workers who continue their activism within the labor movement. These profiles are available on our blog.

The collective effort aims to further progress toward equality.