Each February, the nation comes together to celebrate Black History Month: a time to celebrate the achievements, struggles, and resilience of Black Americans who have shaped the country’s history. From the earliest days of enslavement to modern movements for equity, the contributions of African Americans in labor have been central to the nation’s growth and prosperity.
Black educators, such as Dr. Milton E. Wilson, and Black United Students at Kent State University first proposed Black History Month in February 1969. The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State a year later, from Jan. 2 to Feb. 28, 1970. In 1976, it expanded into a month-long observance and has since become an integral part of American life, highlighting themes that resonate across generations. This year’s theme is “African Americans and Labor”
“This theme underscores the diverse and significant ways in which labor—whether voluntary or involuntary, skilled or unskilled—has been at the core of the Black American experience,” according to Montgomery County, Penn.
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), which selected this year’s theme, emphasized how work has intersected with the collective experiences of Black people.
“Understanding Black labor and its impact in all these multivariate settings is integral to understanding Black people and their histories, lives, and cultures,” the ASALH’s executive summary states.
From the Low Country fields cultivated by enslaved Africans to modern industries shaped by Black professionals, labor has always been a defining feature of African American history. This year also marks the centennial of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, founded in 1925 by A. Philip Randolph. It was the first Black union to receive a charter from the American Federation of Labor.
“Randolph’s work was monumental,” said Pullman National Historical Park. “His belief in organized labor’s ability to counter workforce discrimination and his skill in planning non-violent protests helped gain employment advancements for African Americans.”
The history of African American labor is deeply entwined with struggles for equity and justice. After emancipation, Black workers faced systemic discrimination but contributed significantly to industries as sharecroppers, landowners, and wage earners. They also left a lasting impact on the built environment, designing and constructing iconic architectural landmarks, particularly in the South.
“Black labor is about more than just survival,” said Cherron Inko-Tariah in “Black Labor: Theme for Black History Month 2025”. “It’s about ingenuity, community building, and creating legacies that endure.”
Black women have also played a vital role in labor activism. Figures like Addie Wyatt advocated for job security, reproductive rights, and wage equality while breaking barriers in union leadership. Their efforts not only improved workplace conditions but also inspired future generations to continue the fight for justice.
“During this month, there are more open discussions about the realities of workplace discrimination and what can be done to stop it,” senior Mavis Ameyedowo Sackor said. “Many Black people and allies use this month to push for diversity training programs and also to bring people’s attention to the changes that need to happen in workplaces to ensure everyone is treated fairly. Having these kinds of conversations during Black History Month can t make a difference in how companies treat their employees of different races.”
Black History Month 2025 will feature nationwide events, including panel discussions, art exhibits, and educational programs focusing on the intersections between African Americans and labor.
King’s campaign underscored the importance of labor in the broader fight for equality. “For King, it was a priority for Black people to be considered full citizens,” the ASALH summary notes, connecting economic justice to broader themes of freedom and dignity.
The month also celebrates how Black labor extends beyond traditional workplaces to community building, voluntary work, and cultural contributions. From music and art to activism and entrepreneurship, these efforts have enriched both Black communities and the nation as a whole.
“Maya Angelou’s story resonates with me because of the intense trauma she endured as a child and the strength she showed in overcoming it,” Sackor said. “Despite her pain, she found solace in writing and storytelling, which became her lifeline and a powerful way for her to express herself. She was able to turn her hardships into art; this gave a voice to the struggles of the African American community.”
As February unfolds, Black History Month 2025 calls on the nation to reflect on the past while envisioning a future where the contributions of African Americans in labor are fully recognized and celebrated.
“This month is about honoring the legacy of those who came before us and continuing their work,” said Inko-Tariah. “Black history is American history, and labor is at its heart.”
