As Black History Month 2026 begins, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is recognizing the role of labor unions in supporting African American workers. The IAM highlighted key figures and milestones that have shaped its history with Black members.
The union pointed to historical leaders 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 noted its own early inclusion of African American members 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 encouraged diversity by sending an open letter supporting integration among its locals. Roman Mayfield, a World War II veteran hired at Boeing in Seattle in 1946, was initially denied membership due to racial policies but persisted by attending meetings regularly. In 1950, after his acceptance into the union, Mayfield became one of its first African American members. His example contributed to Boeing hiring thousands more Black workers over time.
Other moments cited 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; support for rebuilding Watts, California after riots in 1965; and major contract negotiations involving many Black workers at General Dynamics’ Fort Worth site during the 1970s.
The appointment of Robert Roach Jr. as General Vice President in 1999 marked another milestone as he became the first African American to hold that position within IAM. Diane Babineaux followed as both General Vice President and first Black woman to serve in that role starting in 2013.
The IAM continues involvement with organizations such as the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) and A. Philip Randolph Institute to promote economic fairness and racial justice for Black workers.
