Honoring Juneteenth and African American Leaders in the Labor Union Movement
Juneteenth, an important day in American history, marks the liberation of African American slaves and represents a pivotal moment toward freedom and equality. On June 19, 1865, enslaved Africans and African Americans in Galveston, Texas, formally learned of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation that legally ended slavery. On June 17, 2021, almost 156 years later, the U.S. federal government officially acknowledged Juneteenth as a federal holiday (1).
At Zenith American Solutions, we strive to recognize and honor this crucial moment in history by dedicating this month to learning about the courageous African American leaders who played a crucial role in advancing labor justice post-liberation. As your trusted Taft-Hartley Third Party Administrator, we aim to empower all American workers and their families, recognizing the significant role labor unions have played in shaping the current landscape of labor rights.
Zenith American Solutions will commemorate Juneteenth this year by granting a day off to our associates, approximately 1,000 of whom are represented by labor unions throughout the country.
One of the greatest labor victories in U.S. History
The first African American Labor Union recognized by AFL-CIO in 1935
An influential civil rights and labor activist, Rosina Corrothers Tucker played a pivotal role in creating the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP) and its International Ladies’ Auxiliary Order. Rosina was married to a Sleeping Car Porter (railway employee), working for the Pullman Palace Company, the nation’s largest single employer of African American men. Rosina’s determined fundraising and organizing efforts led to the BSCP becoming the first African-American-led union recognized by the American Federation of Labor (AFL-CIO) in 1935. In 1937, the BSCP signed an initial contract with Pullman that raised salaries, decreased hours, and introduced a grievance process. Rosina’s work with the BSCP also led her to organize other groups of workers, including women in the laundry trades and domestic service industries. (2,3)
Rosina Corrothers Tucker was instrumental in the first African American Labor Union being recognized by the AFL-CIO in 1935
An influential civil rights and labor activist, Rosina Corrothers Tucker played a pivotal role in creating the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP) and its International Ladies’ Auxiliary Order. (2,3)
Celebrating 80 Years of Growth: Reflecting on the Past while Embracing the Future
As we reflect on our remarkable 80-year journey, our commitment to diversity and inclusion remains a cornerstone of our identity. We recognize that Zenith American Solutions’ endurance and prosperity are not defined solely by the milestones we have reached; they are also shaped by the relationships we have nurtured and the influential leaders in our history who have paved the way for labor unions and rights.
Our dedication to creating an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued has been key to navigating the complex challenges of the past and will continue to guide us into the future. We are grateful for the trust placed in us over the past eight decades, and as we look forward we renew our pledge to remain responsive, efficient, and reliable, fostering a community where everyone can thrive. Here's to celebrating our past and embracing the diverse future we are building together.
Sources:
1.The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth. (n.d.). National Museum of African American History and Culture. https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth
2.Rosina Corrothers Tucker (U.S. National Park Service). (n.d.). https://www.nps.gov/people/rosina-corrothers-tucker.htm
3.The Women Behind the Brotherhood. (n.d.). National Parks Conservation Association. https://www.npca.org/articles/3707-the-women-behind-the-brotherhood
