Monday, September 6, 2021

African Americans are a large and productive part of the labor force and working class. The

Black Americans are entrepreneurs, small business owners, professional, transportation

workers, retail workers, public laborers, and workers are at every level of the economy.

Have you heard about the connection between slavery and Labor Day? Did you know that

the activism of Black pullman porters caused President Cleveland to create Labor Day? It is

time to learn the Black history of important holiday! The Covid-19 pandemic has shown that

many African Americans (and other people of color) are essential workers who were

affected by the virus at higher rates than White Americans. Yet the stereotypes and tropes

about Black people being lazy, welfare mothers, criminals, and drains on the economy

persist. Racism in employment is persistent and prevalent. Obstacles to employment

abound for the Black community, particularly Black men. Yet Black people continue to show

up and work. Learn how you can show support and appreciation for the Black workers that

are supporting their families and the American economy. Labor Day is for Black labor!