As Black History Month 2026 begins, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is highlighting its history of supporting African American workers. The IAM notes that labor unions have played a significant role in advocating for the rights of Black workers, referencing figures such as Frederick Douglass, who became president of the Colored National Labor Union in 1872, and A. Philip Randolph, who led the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters in the 1920s. The IAM also points out that it welcomed African American members about ten years 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.”
The IAM began discussing integration by admitting African American workers as early as 1944. That year, District 727, representing Lockheed employees in southern California, encouraged local chapters to support diversity. In 1950, Roman Mayfield became one of the first African Americans admitted as a member after initially being denied due to discriminatory lodge policies. His acceptance marked a turning point and led to more Black workers joining both Boeing and the union.
Other milestones 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 from union representative Herb Ward in rebuilding Watts, California after riots in 1965; major contract negotiations involving many Black production workers at General Dynamics’ Fort Worth site in the 1970s; Robert Roach Jr.’s appointment as IAM’s first African-American General Vice President in 1999; and Diane Babineaux becoming its 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 the A. Philip Randolph Institute to advance economic fairness and racial justice for Black workers.
