SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Celebrating and Highligting the Potent Impact of Work in America
Throughout American history, African Americans have played a fundamental role in shaping the nation’s economy and infrastructure. From the era of slavery to the present day, Black laborers, artisans, and entrepreneurs have contributed to key industries despite systemic barriers and discrimination.
Foundations of America Built on Black Labor
During slavery, African Americans performed much of the labor that built America’s economy, particularly in agriculture, construction, and domestic work. Even after emancipation, systemic racism and segregation confined Black workers to low-wage, physically demanding jobs with little to no labor protections.
Despite these obstacles, African Americans made significant contributions to labor and industry. Notable individuals like Crispus Attucks, a dockworker and the first person killed in the Boston Massacre, symbolized early resistance and labor activism. Benjamin Montgomery, an enslaved man who became a skilled inventor and entrepreneur, operated a successful store and later purchased a Mississippi plantation. Elizabeth Keckley, a formerly enslaved woman, used her talent as a seamstress to build a business that served Washington D.C.’s elite, including First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln.
Other enslaved individuals also made crucial contributions despite their oppression. James Forten, a skilled sailmaker in Philadelphia, used his earnings to advocate for abolition and Black civil rights. Robert Smalls, an enslaved boat pilot, famously commandeered a Confederate ship to freedom and later became a U.S. Congressman. Harriet Tubman, best known for leading enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad, also worked as a laborer, spy, and Union scout, aiding in the war effort. Their resilience and determination helped pave the way for future generations of Black workers.
Black Labor and Infrastructure
African Americans, both enslaved and free, contributed to many of America’s most significant infrastructure projects:
Railroads – Built and maintained by enslaved laborers, including the Richmond & Danville and Georgia Railroads.
The White House & U.S. Capitol – Enslaved workers quarried stone, baked bricks, and provided skilled labor.
Wall Street – Wall Street was originally named after a physical wall built by enslaved Africans under Dutch rule in the 1600s. Enslaved people were also used to clear land and build what became America’s financial district.
Universities
• University of Virginia – Enslaved laborers constructed much of Jefferson’s iconic Rotunda and pavilions.
• Georgetown University – The school’s early buildings were built by enslaved workers.
• University of North Carolina – Enslaved people built the first dormitories and classrooms.
Canals & Ports – Black workers dug trenches and transported materials for projects like The Erie Canal (New York) – Primarily built by Irish laborers, but some enslaved workers contributed.Also, The Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal – Enslaved workers dug trenches, transported stones, and maintained locks.
Other Major Infrastructure Contributions
Enslaved people also helped build roads, canals, and major buildings, including:
• Monticello and other Plantation Homes of Thomas Jefferson and George Washington.
• The Ports of Savannah (Georgia) & Charleston (South Carolina)
• The Smithsonian Institution – Some early buildings were constructed with enslaved labor.
Legacy
The contributions of Black laborers were vital in shaping America’s economic and physical landscape. Despite facing forced labor, discrimination, and systemic racism, their craftsmanship, skill, and resilience left an undeniable mark on U.S. history. Their labor built the foundation of America’s infrastructure, yet their sacrifices were often overlooked in historical narratives. Today, their legacy continues to inspire new generations striving for economic equality and justice in the workforce.
