Blue Jenkins

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Working for Workers

Julia Pferdehirt

Meet a labor leader, civil rights activist, and family man who showed that the fight for the rights of workers and minorities can be won through years of hard work, dedication, and community engagement.

160 pages, 7 x 9, 80 b&w photos
Paperback: $12.95 | ISBN: 978-0-87020-427-2
Ebook: $9.99 | ISBN: 978-0-87020-657-3
Publication Date: 10/26/2011

Reading Level: Ages 8–14, Grades 3–8

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Description

In 1916, when William “Blue” Jenkins was only six months old, he moved with his family from a Mississippi sharecropper’s farm to the industrial city of Racine, Wisconsin, following his parents’ dreams for a new life. But from a young age, Blue regularly witnessed racism and injustice, even in the North. He had to learn where Black people could shop, eat, and get jobs 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 as an adult. Blue Jenkins: Working for Workers shares his story as it acquaints young readers with African American and labor history.

In 1935, Blue became the first member of his family to graduate from high school. He had been a star athlete in high school, and he dreamed of going to college. But Blue needed to earn money to help support his family, so he got a job at Belle City Malleable, a foundry in Racine. It was hard physical work, and Blue quickly got involved in the labor union. As World War II raged overseas, he participated in the home-front battle against discrimination in employment, housing, and economic opportunity. When Blue became union president at Belle City, he fought for safety regulations and fair pay, and he helped to integrate the union offices. In 1962, he became president of the UAW National Foundry in the Midwest, where he was in charge of 50,000 union members.

Readers of Blue Jenkins: Working for Workers will learn not only about Jenkins's fascinating life story but also about the battles for workers' rights and civil rights during the twentieth century. A glossary, discussion questions, and suggestions for additional reading further enhance the educational experience.

Author Bio

Julia Pferdehirt

Julia Pferdehirt is an author, educator, and professional storyteller. She has also written Caroline Quarlls and the Underground Railroad and Freedom Train North for young readers, both published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. Pferdehirt resides in Madison, Wisconsin.