A. Philip Randolph Institute

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.

Louis Valdez is the director of political education for the local chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute in Louisville. He discusses his life, education, and career in this interview as well as his views on Black history in Louisville.