A Philip Randolph Bio, Birthday, Birthsign, Birthplace, Height and Profession

A. Philip Randolph, born on July 6, 1889, in Crescent City, Florida, was an influential figure in the civil rights movement and a prominent labor leader. He dedicated his life to fighting for the rights and equality of African Americans, particularly in the realm of employment. Randolph's parents, James William Randolph and Elizabeth Robinson Randolph, were both born into slavery. His father was a minister and his mother a seamstress. Growing up in a deeply segregated society, Randolph experienced firsthand the injustices faced by African Americans. In 1911, Randolph moved to New York City, where he became involved in socialist and labor movements. He joined the Socialist Party and began writing for various socialist publications. His writings focused on issues of racial inequality and the need for African American workers to unite and fight for their rights. In 1925, Randolph founded the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP), the first predominantly African American labor union. The BSCP aimed to improve working conditions and wages for Pullman Company porters, who were predominantly African American. Under Randolph's leadership, the union successfully negotiated the first labor agreement between a black union and a major U.S. corporation. Randolph's activism extended beyond labor rights. In 1941, he proposed a march on Washington to protest racial discrimination in defense industries and the armed forces. This initiative, known as the March on Washington Movement (MOWM), gained significant support and eventually led to President Franklin D. Roosevelt issuing Executive Order 8802, which banned racial discrimination in defense industries. Randolph's efforts to combat racial discrimination continued after World War II. In 1948, he played a crucial role in pressuring President Harry S. Truman to issue Executive Order 9981, which desegregated the armed forces. This was a significant milestone in the civil rights movement. Another notable achievement of Randolph was his involvement in the planning and organization of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. This event, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, drew attention to the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality. Throughout his life, Randolph received numerous accolades for his activism. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Additionally, Randolph was a key figure in the formation of the National Urban League and served as its vice president. A. Philip Randolph's tireless efforts and unwav