League of Revolutionary Black Workers
The League of Revolutionary Black Workers (LRBW) was an influential radical labor organization founded in June 1969 in Detroit, Michigan. Emerging from earlier labor movements, particularly the Dodge Revolutionary Union Movement (DRUM), LRBW aimed to address systemic racism within the auto industry, where African American workers faced harsh working conditions and discrimination. The group argued that both employers and the United Automobile Workers (UAW) perpetuated racial inequities, with black workers often relegated to the most dangerous and least desirable jobs.
LRBW conducted demonstrations and wildcat strikes to challenge these injustices, advocating for the rights of black workers and promoting solidarity among diverse labor groups, including white and Arab workers. The organization’s activities drew both support from leftist factions and criticism from mainstream labor leadership, which labeled their actions as extremist. Despite its impactful voice in the labor movement and its ties to black nationalism and Marxism-Leninism, LRBW experienced internal conflicts that led to its disintegration in the early 1970s. Notably, many former members continued to engage in activism, notably founding the Black Workers Congress to further their cause. The League remains a significant chapter in the history of labor and civil rights activism.
League of Revolutionary Black Workers
A radical African American labor organization formed to fight racism within the United Automobile Workers union. The group was composed of the Dodge Revolutionary Union Movement and similar groups.
Origins and History
In 1967, African American autoworkers at the Detroit-area Dodge main plant formed the Dodge Revolutionary Union Movement (DRUM), a rank-and-file union caucus. DRUM accused both the company and the United Automobile Workers (UAW) of racism, citing evidence that the best positions went to whites, while blacks had the dirtiest, most dangerous jobs. The group charged that the nearly all-white local union leadership perpetuated this system by inadequately addressing the grievances of African American workers. Scores of other “RUMs” formed, including ELRUM at the Eldon Avenue plant, FRUM at the Ford plant, and UPRUM among United Parcel Service workers. The League of Revolutionary Black Workers, founded in June, 1969, acted as their umbrella group.
League organizations conducted demonstrations and wildcat strikes in response to unfair working conditions. DRUM believed racism was intentionally cultivated by employers and the union to divide African American, white, and Arab workers (who were numerous in Detroit). League members picketed the UAW International convention and ran against incumbents in union elections. The League gained broad left-wing support, but the UAW responded with red-baiting and called the League’s publications “extremist hate sheets” and its members “black fascists.”
Impact
The League voiced a powerful critique of racism in the union movement. Strongly influenced by black nationalism and Marxism-Leninism, it was one of the most prominent radical labor groups of the 1960’s.
Subsequent Events
Several League activists helped launch the Black Workers Congress in 1970; shortly afterward, the League disintegrated amid internal disputes.
Additional Information
Dan Georgakas and Marvin Surkin’s Detroit: I Do Mind Dying: A Study in Urban Revolution (1975) recounts the activities of DRUM and the League from their beginnings through the early 1970’s efforts of former League members to challenge racism in Detroit’s police and judicial systems. James A. Geschwender’s Class, Race, and Worker Insurgency: The League of Revolutionary Black Workers (1977) closely chronicles the League’s ideological development and internal divisions.