Overview

As the head of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and a tireless advocate for civil rights, A. Philip Randolph (1889–1979) served as a bridge between African Americans and the labor movement. During a public career that spanned more than five decades, he was a leading voice in the struggle for black freedom and social justice, and his powerful words inspired others to join him. This volume documents Randolph’s life and work through his own writings. The editors have combed through the files of libraries, manuscript collections, and newspapers, selecting more than seventy published and unpublished pieces that shed light on Randolph’s most significant activities. The book is organized thematically around his major interests—dismantling workplace inequality, expanding civil rights, confronting racial segregation, and building international coalitions. The editors provide a detailed biographical essay that helps to situate the speeches and writings collected in the book. In the absence of an autobiography, this volume offers the best available presentation of Randolph’s ideas and arguments in his own words.

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9781625341167

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Reviews

This book will go a long way in making easily accessible the ideas and writings of the person who sparked both the 1941 and the 1963 Marches on Washington, and who generally was seen as the leading figure among Blacks in the trade union movement from the 1930s until his death. . . . I give it my strongest endorsement.--John Bracey Jr., coeditor of SOS--Calling All Black People: A Black Arts Movement Reader A. Philip Randolph is as relevant today as ever. A volume of his essential writings could not be more timely. . . . Professors Kersten and Lucander, both recognized Randolph authorities, have assembled this collection with care and skill. All phases of Randolph's remarkable career are covered.--Jerald E. Podair, author of Bayard Rustin: American Dreamer This volume offers the best available presentation of Randolph's ideas and arguments in his own words. The editors provide a lucid and detailed biographical essay that helps to situate the speeches and writings collected. This book provides a holistic portrait.--Journal of American Ethnic History

Author Information

Andrew E. Kersten is dean of the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences at the University of Idaho. David Lucander is assistant professor of Pluralism and Diversity at Rockland Community College.

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