As Black History Month 2026 begins, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is highlighting the contributions of African American workers to the labor movement. The union pointed to historical figures such as Frederick Douglass, who was 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 history of welcoming 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.”
The IAM began openly discussing integration by admitting African American workers in 1944. That year, District 727—which represented 35,000 Lockheed employees in southern California—sent an open letter encouraging diversity among locals.
In 1950, Roman Mayfield became one of the first African Americans accepted into IAM membership after being hired at Boeing’s Seattle plant four years earlier but initially denied entry due to local policies. Mayfield attended meetings regularly until his membership was recognized, which contributed to more Black workers joining both Boeing and 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 union representative Herb Ward for rebuilding Watts, California after riots in 1965; major contract negotiations benefiting many Black production workers at General Dynamics’ Fort Worth site during 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 groups such as the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) and A. Philip Randolph Institute, organizations focused on promoting economic fairness and racial justice for Black workers.
