Who We Are

The  A Philip Randolph Institute was organized in 1965 by Asa Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin. Headquartered in New York City at that time. APRI works to build the ties between the labor movement, civil rights movement and the African-American community. By boosting the political impact of voters of color. Increasing labor’s base of support we have become a leading voice on economic, political, and industrial policy decisions affecting all American workers. 

Voters of Color play a key role in the strategy of our alliance. To increase voter participation, APRI sponsors voter education and Get-Out-The-Vote programs. 

Our members play a critical role in supporting the labor movement’s education and organizing campaigns, strikes, lock-outs, boycotts, and grassroot lobbying effort. To assist our political and labor support activities, we cultivate alliances with civic, religious, civil rights and youth groups.

We seek structural changes through the American democratic process. From the courthouse to the state house to the White House, APRI members actively promote  social, economic, labor, political and legislative issues. APRI is on the front line of support of: Civili rights, strong anti-discrimination measures and workplace diversity. Policies to promote living wages, high growth and full employment. Labor law reform and worker health and safety protections. Decent living standards for all, including anti-poverty programs and comprehensive “safety nets”. Universal and affordable health care. Progressive and fair tax policies. International workers’ rights and fair trade. Quality public education, pre-k through college. 

The Memphis A Philip Randolph Institute was organized in 1970 by a group of courageous black union activists. We honor their commitment and courage as we celebrate 44 years of building the community. 

“PEOPLE UNITED WILL NEVER BE DEFEATED”