Members of the Local 2198 Young Workers Committee in Houston marked Black History Month by distributing Black History Bags at the United Airlines Reservation office. The bags contained literature about the role of Black workers in the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union, emphasizing solidarity and equality within the labor movement.
“Black History Month is a powerful reminder that the rights and protections we have today were built on the courage, sacrifice and determination of Black workers who refused to accept injustice,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “I’m incredibly proud of the Local 2198 Young Workers Committee for honoring that legacy and ensuring the next generation understands that our union’s strength comes from solidarity, education and standing together. Their leadership is helping carry forward the fight for dignity, equality and respect for every IAM member.”
The committee also organized a screening of “Pullman and the Railroad Rebellion – A Chicago Stories Documentary.” The film explored the contributions of Pullman Porters and highlighted A. Philip Randolph’s leadership in both labor organizing and advancing civil rights.
The committee’s activities aimed to show how labor rights and civil rights have historically been closely connected.
