Blue Jenkins

Working for Workers

Kids, People and Places, History, Biography, Non-Fiction
Cover of the book Blue Jenkins by Julia Pferdehirt, Wisconsin Historical Society Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Julia Pferdehirt ISBN: 9780870206573
Publisher: Wisconsin Historical Society Press Publication: June 19, 2013
Imprint: Wisconsin Historical Society Press Language: English
Author: Julia Pferdehirt
ISBN: 9780870206573
Publisher: Wisconsin Historical Society Press
Publication: June 19, 2013
Imprint: Wisconsin Historical Society Press
Language: English

When William "Blue" Jenkins was only six 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.
 

This addition to the Badger Biographies series shares Blue Jenkins’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.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

When William "Blue" Jenkins was only six 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.
 

This addition to the Badger Biographies series shares Blue Jenkins’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.

More books from Wisconsin Historical Society Press

Cover of the book Badger Boneyards by Julia Pferdehirt
Cover of the book Old Farm Country Cookbook by Julia Pferdehirt
Cover of the book Joyce Westerman by Julia Pferdehirt
Cover of the book One Room Schools by Julia Pferdehirt
Cover of the book Mai Ya's Long Journey by Julia Pferdehirt
Cover of the book Tents, Tigers and the Ringling Brothers by Julia Pferdehirt
Cover of the book Jens Jensen by Julia Pferdehirt
Cover of the book Finding Josie by Julia Pferdehirt
Cover of the book Juliette Kinzie by Julia Pferdehirt
Cover of the book Odd Wisconsin by Julia Pferdehirt
Cover of the book Studying Wisconsin by Julia Pferdehirt
Cover of the book The Flavor of Wisconsin by Julia Pferdehirt
Cover of the book How to Make a Life by Julia Pferdehirt
Cover of the book Aztalan by Julia Pferdehirt
Cover of the book Swiss in Wisconsin by Julia Pferdehirt
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy