[Podcast] Freedom Train: Black Politics and the Story of Interracial Labor Solidarity
Posted July 2nd, 2026 by teller
in
Dr. Cedric De Leon explains how, from the founding of the African Blood Brotherhood in 1919 through the 1963 March on Washington, Black workers linked racial justice to economic justice and challenged the American labor movement to become more racially inclusive in its fight for workers’ rights.
De Leon is Professor of Sociology and Labor Studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and author of Freedom Train: Black Politics and the Story of Interracial Labor Solidarity.
Related Resources:
Freedom Train: Black Politics and the Story of Interracial Labor Solidarity
Related Collections:
Black Workers in the Labor Movement Oral Histories (LOH002210)
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Records (LR001754)
CIO Office of the Secretary-Treasurer Records (LR000185)
Erma Henderson Papers (UP001624)
Harold Norris Papers (UP000508)
Robert "Buddy" Battle III and Marion Battle Papers (LP001801)
UAW President’s Office: Walter P. Reuther Records (LR000261)
UAW Washington Office Legislative Department: Donald Montgomery Records (LR000036)
Episode Credits
Interviewee: Cedric De Leon
Producers: Dan Golodner and Troy Eller English
Music: Bart Bealmear