Critical Social Inquiry 0228 - African American Labor Organizing: History of Essential Workers

In 1968, while striking for union recognition and decent wages, Memphis Sanitation workers wore placards with the iconic words printed on them, "I am a Man." The simple phrase invokes the long struggle that African American workers fought for visibility, recognition and respect as citizens whose labor struggles constitute a critical component of the "Long Civil Rights Movement." By examining historical literature, films, interviews and historical newspapers, we will immerse ourselves in the lived experiences, work cultures and organizing strategies of African American workers. We will explore a range of sites, both rural and urban, as well as a range of labor categories, including workers in private households, steel, tobacco, automobile factories, and service industries. This range of labor struggles will provide a critical glimpse into what has been at stake for African American workers from the Reconstruction period through much of the late 20th century. The latter part of the course will examine the transition from manufacturing to service industries and consider how a historical lens can help make sense of the current activism of "essential workers." Key words: Africana studies, African American history, labor history, social movement history

In/Justice This course is fully remote. Students should expect to spend 6-8 hours per week on work outside of class time.