Written By JR Robinson

The A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) stands as a powerful beacon for labor rights and racial equality, founded on the vision of one of America’s greatest civil rights and labor leaders, Asa Philip Randolph. To understand the true significance of APRI, it is essential to first know the man behind its name.

Who Was A. Philip Randolph?

Asa Philip Randolph (1889–1979) was a pioneering African American labor leader and civil rights activist. He established the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first predominantly Black labor union, leading efforts to improve wages and working conditions for Black and white workers alike. Randolph was a key voice in pressuring governmental leaders, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, to end discrimination in war industries, federal employment, and the armed services. He also played a central role as chairman of the historic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

Randolph’s life was marked by a firm commitment to democratic principles and the fight against oppression through organized labor. He continued this advocacy well into his later years, serving as president of the A. Philip Randolph Institute after its founding in 1965 and working within the AFL-CIO Executive Council until 1974.

The Mission Behind the A. Philip Randolph Institute

Founded in 1965 by Asa Philip Randolph together with civil rights strategist Bayard Rustin, the APRI was created to forge a critical alliance between the labor movement and the civil rights movement. They recognized that economic justice and racial equality were inseparably linked. The mission of APRI is to fight for social, political, and economic justice for Black workers and all working Americans, through education, political advocacy, voter mobilization, and labor empowerment.

APRI encourages increased Black participation in union activism and works with labor organizations on key societal issues such as employment fairness, education, healthcare, and housing. The institute actively organizes voter registration and education drives and hosts events supporting leadership development and youth empowerment. APRI remains committed to turning protests into political action aimed at real, lasting change.

The History and Impact of APRI

Emerging from the success of the March on Washington and coinciding with the landmark Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act, APRI became a crucial vehicle for sustained progress in civil rights and labor rights. It has shown solidarity with diverse labor struggles over the decades—from supporting Memphis sanitation workers in 1968 to backing picketing airline and industrial workers in the following decades.

APRI organizes educational programs including its annual National Education Conference aimed at empowering Black youth and advocating for equitable school funding. The institute also operates programs to place young people in union apprenticeships and strives to influence labor standards to protect vulnerable workers.

Introducing the Memphis Chapter of APRI

The Memphis Chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute embodies the legacy of its founders by vigorously advocating for racial and economic justice locally. It strengthens the bonds between the labor movement and Black communities in Memphis and the surrounding region, advancing fair employment practices and educational opportunities.

The chapter is deeply involved in grassroots organizing and voter mobilization efforts while providing a platform to address social issues such as healthcare disparities and housing justice. The Memphis APRI chapter also honors local labor and civil rights advocates annually through scholarships and recognition events, inspiring community members to continue the fight for equity and empowerment.

APRI’s Lasting Impact in Memphis and Beyond

The Memphis chapter’s impact is felt not only in union halls but throughout the community, where it mobilizes laborers, voters, and activists alike to push for systemic change. By amplifying labor’s voice in political processes and cultivating leadership among young activists, APRI continues to transform lives and strengthen the fabric of justice in Shelby County.

The A. Philip Randolph Institute remains a vital force carrying forward the bold vision of Randolph and Rustin: uniting labor and civil rights movements to secure dignity, justice, and opportunity for all working Americans.