Organizers of Black Labor Week have released the line-up of events scheduled for February 19-23, 2024 across Northwest Indiana and Chicago. Ephrin “E.J.” Jenkins, Founder and Executive Director of Black Labor Week Project Inc., has led the charge to spotlight the work of Black Labor unions since founding the non-profit organization in 2012.
“Black Labor Week was a vision that originally started as an initiative that focused on changing the narrative within the Black Community,” recalls Jenkins. “My objective was to have an annual convening that would give us five consecutive days of activism and action. Our mission is to display the parallels between the Black community and the Labor Movement.”
The organization champions several areas of focus throughout the week including youth, unemployment, education, mentoring, Black health, community service, leadership development, Black history, veterans, racism, sexism, racial injustice, sexual orientation and discrimination while practicing diversity and inclusion.
“These initiatives are very significant and critical within the Black community,” Jenkins added. “Over the past twelve years, Black Labor Week has become a staple of resources within the Black community. It helps educate and display the contributions of Black leaders to the Black community that are often unheard and/or overlooked.”
Since its inception, Black Labor Week has resulted in outreach and interaction with more than 40,000 students, 1,200 veterans and 70,000 families through continuous service at the local schools, foodbanks, area shelters and other organizations that provide assistance and resources in the Black community.
Three years ago, a community feeding was added to the “week of action.” As a result, more than 5,000 people have been fed. Black Labor Week Project has also engaged over 4,000 women, creating a platform of empowerment that has become highly anticipated each year. A component for Black men also exists titled “The Black Male Discussion.” Over 1,500 men have attended the panel discussions since its creation.
Lastly, the organization continues to strengthen its impact within the public schools by supplying students with backpacks and school supplies.
“Our presence has led to the creation of mentoring programs that are implemented throughout the year, as well as other initiatives that produce a better quality of life for those within the Black community,” added Jenkins.
The line-up for Black Labor Week 2024 is as follows:
Monday, February 19, 2024
8:00 a.m – Free Haircuts and Community Breakfast
Location 1: Trinity United Church of Christ
1276 West 20th Avenue Gary, IN 46407
Location 2: Veterans Village of NWI
839 Massachusetts St., Gary, IN 46402
Location 3: The Center
1845 W. 37th Ave, Gary, IN 46408
5:00 pm – “Night At the Movies”
Location: UAW Local 551 Hall
13550 S Torrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60633
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
7:00 a.m. – Day of Education (12 Schools)
School Assignments – Rear Conference Room
Meeting Location: Hilton Garden Inn
7775 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN 46410
5:00 p.m. – Black Male Discussion (Men’s Panel)
Location: UAW Local 551 Union Hall
13550 S Torrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60633
Wednesday February 21, 2024
8:00 am – 1:00 p.m. – Wednesday Workshops / Mayor’s Discussion Panel (Starts at 11:00 a.m.)
Location: Indiana University Northwest
Bergland Auditorium
3400 Broadway, Gary, IN 46408
5:00 p.m. – Black Women Empowerment Seminar – Women’s Panel
Location: UAW Local 551 Union Hall
13550 S. Torrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60633
Thursday February 22, 2024
7:00 a.m. – Day of Community Service (Multiple Locations)
Location Assignments – Rear Conference Room
Meeting Location: Hilton Garden Inn
7775 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN 46410
6:00 p.m. Doors Open – 7:00 p.m. Showtime
“A Night to Speak”
Location: Loft Adiq Ultra Lounge
752 Broadway, Gary, IN 46402
Friday February 23, 2024
5:00 p.m. – Celebration of Civil Rights Awards Gala
Keynote speaker – Senator Nina Turner
Location: Indiana Welcome Center
7770 Corinne Dr, Hammond, IN 46323
*Tickets included in delegate registration or available for purchase
For more information about Black Labor Week, contact Ephrin Jenkins at [email protected] or 219-455-1306.
