1. Asa Phillip Randolph In what ways does his life’s work represent a bridge between the “New Negro” Movement and the Civil Rights Movement?

2. Asa Phillip Randolph - Background Info (from A. Phillip Randolph Institute - apri.org) Lived 1889 to 1979 Second son of Elizabeth and Rev. James W. Randolph (AME Minister) Grew up in Jacksonville, FL. Choir Leader, Baseball Player, and Valedictorian (gave speech on importance of Racial Pride) Moved to Harlem at 22 (of 500,000 Afro-Amer. who moved Northward) Worked as dishwasher, janitor, and waiter

3. Reinventing Himself in Harlem Attended City College of NY - influenced by ideas of Socialism Helped organize Shakespearean Society (played Hamlet, Othello, and Romeo) Started to get involved politically (as labor union leader) Spoke at Madam CJ Walker’s home, where he met Lucille Campbell Green, his future wife.

4. Solidifying His Political Skills.. In 1917, wrote magazine, The Hotel Messenger, later became The Messenger - Socialist magazine which publicized labor struggles Federal Government report in 1919 - said he’s “the most dangerous Negro in America”

5. And His Organization Skills… In 1925, he started labor union - The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters of Pullman Railroad Car Company Lowered working hours for workers from 400(!) to 200 per month Started push for March on Washington in 1940 to end discrimination against blacks who worked in govt. defense industries Under this pressure, Pres. FDR signed an Exec. Order 8802 which guaranteed fair employment during WWII photophoto

6. His Continued Efforts… Randolph confronted Pres. Truman (and urged a boycott of Armed Forces) on issue of segregation of military units. Truman conceded, signing Exec. Order (‘48) prohibiting discrimination and segregation in Armed Forces Randolph continued fight for Civil Rights through AFL - CIO and Negro American Labor Council

7. A Website in his honor.. A. Philip Randolph Institute

8. The Pinnacle of His Career.. Capitalizing on his organization skills and leadership in the fight for Civil Rights, he was the main organizer of the 1963 March on Washington where 250,000 people attended (at mike in photo) He spoke there with Dr. MLK Jr., Rev. Abernathy and many others. Awarded Medal of Freedom by Pres. Johnson in 1964

9. Photos of Interest Civil Rights Leaders with JFK (A. Phillip Randolph at center)

10. Awarded the Congressional Medal of Freedom