March 3, 2025 —At Collington, a Kendal community that values community connections and life-long learning, Black History Month is more than a calendar event—it’s a chance to honor the rich history of African Americans and celebrate their enduring contributions.
This past February, Collington’s Black History Month Committee created a series of events to explore the 2025 theme, “African Americans and Labor.” The month was filled with educational programs, thought-provoking discussions, and moments of personal reflection. Together, residents, employee teams, and guests reflected on African Americans’ profound role in shaping the nation’s workforce, culture, and labor rights.
The members of the Black History Month Committee, Henry Thomas, Lamar Burt, Darlene Fann, Arthur Goldberg, Dorothy Jones, Pat Jones, Ron & Delores Hawkins, Linda Hunt, Elaine Murrel, Bob Pam, Susan Pearl, Jim & Loraine Rogers, Norma Taylor, and Doreen Tilghman, created an immersive and thought-provoking Black History experience. Beyond this, many Collington residents who are not members of the Black History Committee contributed books and other items that appeared in the bookcase Exhibits. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising the depth and thoughtfulness of the events.
The month explored profound questions through lectures, exhibits, and personal reflections: How has labor shaped African-American identity? What lessons can be drawn from history to address present challenges?
Key Events That Shaped the Month
1. Film Screening of Six Triple Eight
On February 3, residents gathered for a Monday night movie. Six Triple Eight tells the incredible story of the all-Black, all-female 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II. The film shed light on how these trailblazing women kept morale high for U.S. troops by clearing a backlog of millions of mail items—a story of resilience and determination that resonated deeply with the audience.
2. The History of Presidents and Slavery
On February 8, John Peter Thompson of the Prince George’s County Historic Preservation Committee gave a fascinating lecture examining the attitudes toward slavery held by U.S. presidents, from George Washington to Abraham Lincoln. This discussion offered a nuanced understanding of how early leaders’ governance choices shaped the realities of African Americans during their time.
3. Reflections from Lamar Burt
A highlight of the month was hearing directly from a Collington resident, Lamar Burt. A unionized ironworker and representative of African-American laborers’ incredible strength and commitment, Lamar shared his experiences navigating a challenging and rewarding career. His testimony brought a moving personal connection to the celebration.
4. Bill Fletcher Lecture on Blacks and Labor
Bill Fletcher focused on the history of Black labor but urged us to consider the future. How will artificial intelligence impact workers in the future? How might a discriminatory algorithmic code affect Black workers? How does this administration’s anti-WOKE, anti-DEI environment influence unions and workers? He noted, we must concentrate on both the past and the future.
5. Wall Exhibit – Highlighting Labor Leaders
To reflect deeply on this year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor,” resident Henry Thomas curated a list of labor leaders whose stories embody perseverance and progress. Photos and a summary of their contributions were hung in the art gallery hallway through the community spaces.
Leaders Included:
- A. Philip Randolph: Founder of the influential Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, Randolph championed fair wages and workplace inclusivity at a time when segregation dominated American labor.
- Hattie Canty: A hotel maid turned labor activist, Canty’s leadership reshaped hospitality industry standards in Las Vegas and beyond.
- William Lucy: A pivotal figure in the 1968 Memphis sanitation strike, Lucy embodied the rallying cry “I Am A Man!” while advocating fair wages and humane working conditions.
- Paul Robeson: Known as a talented athlete, scholar and singer, his stirring rendition of “Joe Hill,” Robeson exemplified the profound connection between workers’ rights and cultural resilience.
A Legacy of Action – Henry Thomas
Henry Thomas, a resident of Collington and a tireless advocate for education and equality throughout his career, played a crucial role in shaping programming. His life’s work, from being one of the leaders in the FIGHT Organization in Rochester, NY to years of service for many advocacy organizations, his successful career as a college professor to his contributions at Collington, reflects his philosophy of “Liberation Theology”—the belief that we must serve the least privileged among us.
Henry possesses a wealth of knowledge and passion. His family influenced him, as his great-grandfather, following emancipation, was in the first class of African Americans to attend an American Baptist seminary. Dignitaries such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu and U.S. Florida Senator Bob Graham also influenced him. He discussed lesser-known leaders such as Kimpa Vita, whom he regarded as the “Mother of Liberation Theology.” Henry’s commitment to justice radiated through every program during Black History Month.
Raised in New Orleans, Henry had profoundly personal and negative experiences due to racism as he witnessed the civil rights movement unfold in his neighborhood. At UCLA, he became a courageous voice in the anti-war and free-speech movements of the 1960s. His career in public administration flourished as he served as a professor at the University of North Florida, where he influenced policy and helped students connect with and support communities worldwide—from Haiti to Ghana.
Highlighting the Legacy of African Americans in Labor
Henry shared the 2025 theme, “African Americans and Labor,” provided a framework for exploring the multifaceted role of African Americans in shaping this country’s labor history. From plantation work to skilled trades, industrial innovation, and contributions to union movements, Black labor has been instrumental in building America. Through the exhibit and writings in the community newsletter, Henry brought attention to important historical background, such as:
- The labor forms enslaved Africans were forced into, including plantation work, domestic service, and mining in the Americas.
- The post-slavery rise of skilled Black laborers like blacksmiths and carpenters, whose expertise became invaluable in industries across the U.S.
- Pioneering African-American unions like A. Philip Randolph’s Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids, which became hubs for Black resistance and empowerment during the early 20th century.
- The strategic vision of leaders like Booker T. Washington, who sought to create opportunities for Black workers, even as they faced systemic exclusion from established unions.
Why Black History Month Matters at Collington
Collington residents described the Black History Month events and exhibits as “inspiring,” “eye-opening,” and “profoundly moving.” The feedback from neighbors and staff has been glowing, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to engage more deeply with history.
At Collington, celebrating Black History Month aligns perfectly with the mission to foster lifelong learning in community with others.
- It bridges generations. Older members share their experiences from the civil rights movement with younger family members and staff, creating invaluable learning opportunities.
- It validates lived experiences. By honoring Black labor history, we celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of those who shaped the world we live in today.
- It strengthens community bonds. Sharing these stories fosters mutual respect, understanding, and a sense that every voice in the American community matters.
For older Americans, reflection on Black History Month holds unique significance. Many Collington residents witnessed the civil rights movement firsthand, carrying those lessons into their lives and advocacy work.
Join the Conversation
Want to learn how the Collington community strengthens bonds, shares knowledge, and grows together year-round? Contact Collington to schedule a visit or attend an upcoming event.