Stewart, James E., 1925-2010

Date:
1979-04-04
Length:
60 minutes
Interviewer:
Bobo, Mary
Transcription available:
yes
Series:
African American Community Interviews
Series ID:
9999_001
Interview Number(s):
__741
Summary:
James Stewart, business manager for Local 576 of the Laborers' International Union of North America, discusses segregation in education in Tennessee where he grew up, talks about his growing awareness of labor unions, how he came to Louisville and how he became the first Black foreman at a construction company there. He reflects on the evolution of the construction industry and particularly describes the place of Black laborers within the industry. He talks about women in construction, training opportunities for young people to enter the field and his work with Local 576 of the Laborers' International Union. The interview concludes with a discussion of health and pension benefits provided by Stewart’s union.
Topic(s):
African Americans--Kentucky--Louisville, Segregation in education, African American construction workers, Construction workers, Labor unions, Race relations, Laborers' International Union of North America, Women construction workers, African Americans--Employment, A. Philip Randolph Institute, Discrimination in employment, Labor unions--Political activity