Organizing History

Philip Randolph the distinction as, the most dangerous Negro in America, by the United States Attorney General in 1919. He used his publication to fight for opportunity and protection for black workers. Pushing for unionization, A. Philip Randolph was the instrumental force behind the formation of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. He continued his fight for Negro representation and inclusion in the national union associations. In the 1940’s, Randolph stood against two presidents, and it was at this time, when Randolph first expressed the need for a mass demonstration by thousands of Negroes to protest on the lawn of the White House. It was at this time that Randolph appointed Bayard Rustin as the youth organizer of the proposed 1941 March on Washington. This march was a threat to President Roosevelt and six days before the proposed demonstration, President Roosevelt signed an Executive Order ending segregation in defense industries and in the military. In the 1950’s Randolph continued to challenge Union leaders, demanding equality for black workers.

Also, during this period in history, Bayard Rustin cofounded the Congress Of Racial Equality (CORE). Rustin organized campaigns and led workshops on nonviolent direct action. During World War II Rustin spent over two years in prison as a “conscientious objector.” In 1947 Rustin was arrested during CORE’s Journey of Reconciliation. This journey tested the Supreme Court rulings barring segregation in interstate travel. This test provided a model for the 1961 Freedom Rides. Rustin was also instrumental in the reform of prison chain gangs. The report of his 22 days spent on a brutal, North Carolina chain gang, was published in many newspapers , leading to reformation of the practice.

For over a half a century, A. Philip Randolph fought to improve the lives of Black Americans. Fighting for jobs and labor. Working with leaders like Roy Wilkins and organizers like Bayard Rustin, A. Philip Randolph’s dream never died. Once again, he expressed the need B