Today in labor history: Black farmer-union leader murdered by sheriff’s posse
A leader of the Croppers' and Farm Workers Union in Tallapoosa County was brutally murdered July 15, 1931, by a heavily armed white mob.
Today in labor history: Mary McLeod Bethune born
Mary McLeod Bethune, one of our great civil rights leaders, was born July 10, 1875, in Mayesville, S.C. Her parents were former slaves.
Today in labor history: Supreme Court ends laws against interracial marriage
The case was brought forth by Richard and Mildred Loving, who were imprisoned for one year for marrying in the state of Virginia.
Today in labor history: James Meredith shot
On this day in 1966, civil rights activist James Meredith was shot while leading the March Against Fear from Memphis to Jackson.
Today in labor history: Homestead Act signed, for good and bad
President Lincoln signed the Homestead Act. It was a freedom opportunity for many, but also resulted in massive displacement of Native Americans.
Today in labor history: A. Phillip Randolph was born
Randolph played a leading role in the fight for civil and labor rights, from the 1930s through the 1960s.
Today in black history: Ali becomes heavyweight champion of the world
An activist, showman, and cultural icon, Ali was stripped of his title a few years later for refusing to fight in Vietnam.
Today in labor history: New Orleans slave uprising
The revolt consisted of somewhere between 300-500 people.
Today in labor history: Black workers form national union
African American delegates met in Washington, D.C., to form the Colored National Labor Union.
Today in labor history: Eisenhower enforces racial integration in Little Rock
Orval Faubus tried to prevent schools in Little Rock from integrating, despite the fact that the Supreme Court had ordered the desegregation of public schools three years prior.
