Clayola Brown facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clayola Brown
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| Born | 4 August 1948 |
| Education | Florida A&M University (BS) |
| Known for | President of the A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI), Education director of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America (ACWA) |
| Spouse(s) | Alfred Brown |
| Children | Alfred Jr |
| Awards | Eugene V. Debs Award |
Clayola Brown (born Clayola Beatrice Oliver in 1948) is a very important leader. She is an African-American labor unionist and a civil rights activist. A labor unionist helps workers get fair pay and good working conditions. A civil rights activist works for equal rights for all people.
Since August 2004, she has been the International President of the A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI). She was the first woman to lead this organization. Clayola Brown has also received several awards. These include the Keeper of Flame Awards and the Eugene V. Debs Award. These awards recognize her great work in helping workers and fighting for fairness.
Contents
Early Life and School
Clayola Brown was born on August 4, 1948, in Charleston, South Carolina. She went to Simon Graz High School in Philadelphia in 1966. When she was just 15, Clayola worked with her mother. They helped workers at the Manhattan Shirt Factory in Charleston form a union.
In 1970, she earned her bachelor's degree from Florida A&M University. She studied physical education and secondary education.
Her Career and Leadership
After finishing college, Clayola Brown started working with the Textile Workers Union of America (TWUA). She helped bring together a large textile company called JP Stevens. This led to 4,000 workers joining a new union in 1980. This union was called the ACTWU.
Important Roles at ACTWU
At ACTWU, Clayola Brown held many important jobs. She was the director for civil rights. She also directed education programs. She even managed their Laundry Division. In 1991, she was chosen as the Vice President of ACTWU. She held this position for more than ten years.
Working with Presidents and Unions
In 1994, President Bill Clinton asked her to join the National Committee on Employment Policy. This committee helps make plans for jobs in the country. In 1995, Clayola Brown helped create a new union. It was called the Union of Needle Trades, Industrial and Textile Employees. This new union was formed by combining two older unions.
Other Leadership Positions
Clayola Brown has also served on many important boards. These include the Board of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. She also worked with the United Nations Advisory Council. She has taught at Cornell University. She also advises Trinity College on issues important to African Americans.
