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 contributions of Black workers to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union, focusing on their role in promoting justice, dignity, and equality in the workplace. The initiative aimed to highlight how inclusion and collective action have historically strengthened the union.
“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 covered the story of Pullman Porters and highlighted how Black labor activism influenced both working conditions and broader civil rights efforts across the country. It featured labor leader A. Philip Randolph’s role in advancing labor rights as well as civil rights.
Organizers emphasized that advocacy for workers’ rights has always been closely linked with civil rights struggles.
