Who We Are!

The A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) was founded in 1965 by two towering leaders—A. Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin—whose partnership changed the course of American history. For Randolph and Rustin, fighting for workers’ rights and civil rights were inseparable tasks. They understood that true freedom and justice require the combined strength of labor, voting rights, and racial equality, and so APRI was born: to continue that united struggle for social, economic, and political justice for all working Americans.

Our Legacy and Mission

A. Philip Randolph was the father of the modern Black labor movement. He led the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters to victory as the first major Black-led union in America, and challenged Presidents Roosevelt and Truman to end discrimination in America’s workplaces and armed services. Bayard Rustin, chief organizer of the legendary 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, recognized how economic empowerment, coalition-building, and nonviolent advocacy could achieve lasting change. Together, Randolph and Rustin built the Black-Labor Alliance—an enduring partnership that helped win passage of the Voting Rights Act and expanded the promise of democracy for all.

Our Role Today

Today, APRI is an organization of Black trade unionists who fight for racial equality, economic justice, and genuine democracy. From its New York headquarters to 109 chapters in 31 states, APRI unites diverse communities, amplifies the voice of voters of color, and holds leaders accountable for policy decisions affecting working families. APRI is recognized as a leading force in economic, political, and industrial policy.

Our Work

We believe the power of people united will never be defeated. Our programs are built to spark structural change—from the courthouse to the statehouse to the White House. We:

• Organize voter education, registration, and Get-Out-The-Vote campaigns that have empowered thousands of new voters and protected the right to participate.

• Support labor organizing, strikes, boycotts, and grassroots action—in coalition with unions, civic, faith, youth, and civil rights groups.

• Advocate for workplace dignity, living wages, anti-discrimination protections, and comprehensive safety nets for working people.

• Promote universal, affordable healthcare, quality public education from pre-K to college, and fair tax and trade policies.

• Fight for international workers’ rights and oppose policies that exploit or divide communities.

Our members form the backbone of campaigns for social progress, standing at the front lines of civil rights, union organizing, and legislative advocacy.

The Memphis APRI Chapter

The Memphis A. Philip Randolph Institute was organized in 1970 by a courageous circle of Black union activists determined to build a fairer, stronger Memphis. These pioneers wove together labor and civil rights struggles, shaping Memphis into a city where community power, workplace dignity, and racial justice are united goals. We honor their vision and commitment—over 50 years strong—with new generations defending their legacy.

Memphis APRI continues to champion the cause of workers, voters of color, and marginalized communities—leading voter engagement drives, supporting labor strikes, building coalitions, and advocating before city leaders and the legislature. We celebrate our elders, empower our youth, and build alliances so none stand alone.

Our Values

• Justice: We confront discrimination, poverty, and exclusion wherever they exist.

• Unity: We join hands across race, faith, and background in the fight for democracy and fairness.

• Courage: We persist, even when the challenge is great, inspired by the words and deeds of our founders.

“PEOPLE UNITED WILL NEVER BE DEFEATED”

Join us—honor the past, claim your rights, and fight together for Memphis’s just and prosperous future.