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      Blue Jenkins: Working for Workers

      $12.95
      Paperback: $12.95
      160 pages, 86 b/w photos, illus., and maps, 7 x 9"
      ISBN: 9780870204272

      Published by Wisconsin Historical Society Press

      Ordering for retail, wholesale, school, library, or other tax-exempt organization?
      SKU: 9780870204272
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      By Julia Pferdehirt

      When William "Blue" Jenkins was only 6 months old, he moved with his parents from a Mississippi sharecropper's farm to the industrial city of Racine, Wisconsin with dreams of a new life. As an African-American in the pre-civil rights era, Blue came face to face with racism: the Ku Klux Klan hung a black figure in effigy from a tree in the Jenkins family's yard. Growing up, Blue knew where blacks could shop, eat, and get a job in Racine-and where they couldn't. The injustices that confronted Blue in his young life would drive his desire to make positive changes to his community and workplace in adulthood.

      Blue Jenkins: Working for Workers shares Blue's story as it acquaints young readers with African-American and labor history. Following an all-star career as a high school football player, Blue became involved in unions through his work at Belle City Malleable. As World War II raged on, he participated in the home-front battle against discrimination in work, housing, and economic opportunity. When Blue became president of the union at Belle City, he organized blood drives and fought for safety regulations. He also helped to integrate labor union offices. In 1962, he became president of the U.A.W. National Foundry in the Midwest, and found himself in charge of 50,000 foundry union members.

      Labor leader, civil rights activist, and family man, Blue shows readers how the fight for workers and minorities rights can be fought and won through years of hard work.

      By Julia Pferdehirt

      When William "Blue" Jenkins was only 6 months old, he moved with his parents from a Mississippi sharecropper's farm to the industrial city of Racine, Wisconsin with dreams of a new life. As an African-American in the pre-civil rights era, Blue came face to face with racism: the Ku Klux Klan hung a black figure in effigy from a tree in the Jenkins family's yard. Growing up, Blue knew where blacks could shop, eat, and get a job in Racine-and where they couldn't. The injustices that confronted Blue in his young life would drive his desire to make positive changes to his community and workplace in adulthood.

      Blue Jenkins: Working for Workers shares Blue's story as it acquaints young readers with African-American and labor history. Following an all-star career as a high school football player, Blue became involved in unions through his work at Belle City Malleable. As World War II raged on, he participated in the home-front battle against discrimination in work, housing, and economic opportunity. When Blue became president of the union at Belle City, he organized blood drives and fought for safety regulations. He also helped to integrate labor union offices. In 1962, he became president of the U.A.W. National Foundry in the Midwest, and found himself in charge of 50,000 foundry union members.

      Labor leader, civil rights activist, and family man, Blue shows readers how the fight for workers and minorities rights can be fought and won through years of hard work.

      Products specifications
      Details
      PublisherWisconsin Historical Society Press
      ISBN Number

      978-0-87020-427-2

      Publication Year2011
      Page Count160
      Illustrations
      Format/BindingPaperback
      Trim Size7 x 9 inches

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      Wisconsin Historical Society Press books ship from the Chicago Distribution Center. (800) 621-2736, custserv@press.uchicago.edu.

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      Products specifications
      Details
      PublisherWisconsin Historical Society Press
      ISBN Number

      978-0-87020-427-2

      Publication Year2011
      Page Count160
      Illustrations
      Format/BindingPaperback
      Trim Size7 x 9 inches
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