NAACP Kicks Off Labor Action Week
FOR PLANNING PURPOSES
September 4, 2023
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON – The NAACP is set to host "Labor Action Week" (#NAACPLaborWeek) which will take place September 4-8, 2023. Throughout the week, the nation's preeminent civil rights organization will stand in solidarity with partner labor organizations to uplift the issues facing Black workers and convey policy priorities and calls to action for the year ahead. One feature includes the webinar titled "The Economic and Policy Fight in Labor," which will highlight the role of Black labor through conversations with union leaders. A full advisory for the week's events can be found below.
"At the NAACP, we recognize that labor organizing is a crucial tool in our continued fight for racial equity. For decades, we have fought tirelessly to advance the rights of laborers in America — most specifically Black workers. But our fight is far from over," said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. "As our community continues to face discrimination and prolific inequity within the workforce, it is crucial that we stand with our labor organizers to demand the equity our workers deserve. The NAACP is dedicated to continuing this work and looks forward to the progress we're able to make over the next year. We won't stop until we can all thrive together."
WHO:
Patrice Willoughby, NAACP Senior Vice President of Global Policy and Impact
Keisha Deonarine, NAACP Director of Opportunity, Race, and Justice
Dr. Candace C. Archer, AFL-CIO Policy Director
Fedrick Ingram, AFT Secretary-Treasurer
April Sims, President of the Washington State Labor Council of the AFL-CIO
Yvonne Taylor-Brooks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Georgia AFL-CIO
Yvonne Wheeler, President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor at the AFL-CIO
WHEN:
Monday, September 4, 2023 to Friday, September 8, 2023
WHERE:
Virtual — For more information visit our website here.
WHY:
The NAACP Labor Action Week focuses on the importance of advocating collectively to ensure employment and advancement opportunities are available for Black people with equal pay, including benefits and clean jobs allowing for better health outcomes.
WHAT:
- Friday, September 1: NAACP President Johnson and Communications Workers of America (CWA) President Claude Cummings, Jr. release a co-authored op-ed to discuss federal government jobs and the importance of ensuring true economic progress for Black Americans.
- Tuesday, September 5: The Chairwoman of the NAACP National Labor Committee will moderate these discussions with Black women in union leadership including April Sims, President of the Washington State Labor Council of the AFL-CIO, Secretary-Treasurer Yvonne Taylor-Brooks of the Georgia AFL-CIO, and Yvonne Wheeler, President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor at the AFL-CIO.
- Wednesday, September 6: The NAACP will feature the work of union groups CWA, SEIU, and SAG-AFTRA who are advocating for a living wage, equitable treatment, and job security.
- Thursday, September 7: Join us for an in-depth conversation on how policy impacts the workforce during a featured webinar "The Economic and Policy Fight in Labor," which will be hosted by the NAACP's SVP of Global Policy and Impact, Patrice Willoughby.
- Friday, September 8: The NAACP will recap all information regarding the Labor Action Week.
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About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.