Black women have been at the forefront of numerous social justice movements, leading the fight for criminal justice, racial justice, worker rights, and civil rights since the Civil War era in the United States. At WeDiB, we recognize how Black women were the founding mothers of the present domestic workers movement, and we continue their work.
We often think of remarkable women like Dorothy Bolden, who was not only a household worker but also a prominent civil rights leader for Black people in Atlanta during the 1960s. She was responsible for founding influential organizations that fought for the rights of domestic workers and successfully put an end to their racist and sexist treatment. Moreover, she played a significant role in registering thousands of Black women to vote. The National Domestic Workers Union of America, which she started, continues to inspire all of us at NDWA. Our organization remains committed to advocating for voting rights and played a crucial role in the 2020 elections across the country. Despite the progress made in the fight for social justice, much still needs to be accomplished to achieve equality.
We persist in this work because our unique perspectives, experiences, and leadership are invaluable assets in shaping policies and decisions that affect their communities.
By actively participating in civic engagement, we can challenge systemic injustices, advocate for policies that address our needs, and build power with people in the margins. Our involvement is vital for holding institutions and leaders accountable, driving progress, and building a more inclusive society where everyone has equal opportunities and rights.
In 2023, WeDiB Chapters made huge strides for domestic workers using their voices and civic engagement:
Throughout history, civic engagement has been used in grassroots organizing and community engagement and is critical to helping us grow stronger as a community by taking collective action. While all elections are important, the 2024 general presidential election is right around the corner and this moment calls on all of us to be prepared to take action and get involved. We have to stay focused on issues that affect us and impact our communities.
For Black Futures Month, we urge you to show up and ensure your voice is heard in the coming months. Make sure you are registered to vote and encourage others in your community to do the same!
We Dream in Black – Houston Organizers and member leaders
We Dream in Black: We Dream in Black (WeDiB) is an initiative of the National Domestic Workers Alliance and is the organizing home that centers the voices and experiences of Black, Afro-Latinx, and Afro-descendant domestic workers.
Unbossed Agenda: The ‘Unbossed Agenda’ is We Dream in Black’s organizing directive to give power back to the visions of Black domestic workers, who are U.S. born and immigrants, of multiple gender identities and sexualities, and of varied class backgrounds and abilities—some of the most invisible, essential and unprotected workers in our country.