A. Philip Randolph was a pioneering trade unionist and civil-rights leader whose work reminds us that labor rights and racial justice have always been deeply intertwined. As the founder of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, Randolph proved that collective action could confront exploitation, racism, and political exclusion—even in the face of fierce opposition. His leadership helped force the federal government to ban discrimination in defense industries and laid the groundwork for the modern civil-rights movement.

Today, as SEIU 1021 members continue to fight for fair wages, dignity on the job, fully-funded public services, and protection against political attacks on working people, Randolph’s legacy is a powerful reminder that progress is never handed down—it is organized, demanded, and won. In a moment when worker power is again under threat, his example challenges us to stand united, speak boldly, and keep pushing forward together.