As an African American growing up in Racine, Wisconsin, in the 1930s, William "Blue" Jenkins knew where blacks could shop, eat, and get a job---and where they couldn't. His early experiences in inequality would drive his desire to make positive changes to his community and wokrplace as an adult.
Blue Jenkins: Working for Workers shares Blue's story as it acquaints young readers with African American and labor history. Following an all-star career as a high school football plaer, Blue became involved in unions through his work at a local foundry. As union president, he fought for safety regulations and fair pay ad helped integrate union offices---all the while working to fight discrimination in his community.. In 1962, Blue became a regional leader in the union and found himself in charge of 50,000 union members in the Midwest!
Labor leader, civil rights activist, and family man, Blue Jenkins shows readers how the fight for the rights of workers and minorities can be won through years of hard work.