As Black History Month 2026 begins, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is highlighting its history of supporting African American workers and their rights. The IAM notes that labor unions have played a significant role in advocating for Black workers, referencing figures such as Frederick Douglass, who became president of the Colored National Labor Union in 1872, and A. Philip Randolph, leader of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters in the 1920s. The IAM also points out that it welcomed African American members a decade before the Civil Rights Act was passed in the 1960s.
“It’s mind-boggling to learn about the tremendous history that links labor activism with the upward economic mobility of the Black Americans,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Our union has been at the forefront of civil rights and Black History Month is a great time to share our union’s story.”
In 1944, IAM District 727 represented workers at Lockheed in southern California and encouraged diversity by sending an open letter to locals about integrating its ranks. In 1950, Roman Mayfield became one of the first African Americans admitted to the union after initially being denied membership due to local policies. Mayfield’s persistence led to his acceptance and paved the way for more Black workers at Boeing to join IAM over subsequent decades.
Other notable moments include former IAM president Al Hayes meeting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in New York City in 1962; predominantly African-American lodges being chartered during the 1960s; assistance provided by African American union representative Herb Ward in rebuilding Watts, California after riots in 1965; major contract negotiations involving large numbers of Black production workers at General Dynamics’ Fort Worth site in the 1970s; Robert Roach, Jr.’s appointment as first African-American General Vice President in 1999; and Diane Babineaux becoming first Black woman General Vice President in 2013.
The IAM continues its involvement with organizations such as the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) and A. Philip Randolph Institute, both known for promoting black economic fairness and racial justice within workplaces.
