Floria Pinkney facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Floria Pinkney
Floria Pinkney, from a 1926 publication
Born	1903 Connecticut
Education	Brockwood Labor College
Occupation	Garment worker, union organizer, and activist

Floria Pinkney (born 1903 – died after May 1984) was an important African-American woman from Brooklyn, New York. She was a garment worker and a strong voice for workers' rights. She became a union activist during a time called the Progressive Era.

Floria Pinkney made history. She was the first African-American woman to become a leader and organizer in the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU). This union helped people who made clothes.

Floria Pinkney's Early Life and School

Floria Pinkney was born in Connecticut in 1903. Her parents were from Florida. After her father passed away, her mother moved to Brooklyn. Her mother worked as a dressmaker, making clothes for people.

Before working in the clothing industry, Floria went to Manhattan Trade School. This school taught her useful skills.

College and Special Studies

In 1925, Floria earned a special scholarship. This scholarship allowed her to attend Brookwood Labor College. This college helped people learn about workers' rights. Floria did very well in her studies. Because she was so good, her scholarship was extended for two more years.

When she graduated, Floria was chosen to speak for her class. She was also the first Black woman to graduate from Brookwood Labor College. This was a big achievement!

In 1930, Floria received another special award. She won a fellowship from the New York School of Social Work. This allowed her to study for six months in Copenhagen, Denmark. There, she learned about adult education and how communities organize themselves.

In 1984, Floria Pinkney went to a reunion. It was for the Bryn Mawr Summer School for Women Workers in Industry. She had been one of the first five Black students to attend this school.

Floria Pinkney's Activism and Union Work

Floria Pinkney joined the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (ILGWU) in the 1920s. The union quickly saw that she was a talented leader. She worked in the garment industry for several years.

After finishing college, she returned to work. But soon, in 1929, she was chosen to be a union organizer. This meant she helped other workers join the union.

Organizing Black Garment Workers

Floria Pinkney played a key role in the ILGWU's efforts. In September 1929, she helped the union sign up more Black garment workers. She spoke at meetings in Harlem, New York.

She spoke alongside important leaders like A. Philip Randolph. He led the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. She also spoke with Julius Hochman, a vice president of the ILGWU. Randolph praised Floria, calling her "a capable young woman."

Floria's work went beyond the clothing factories. She was active in her community. She helped people in both Harlem and Brooklyn.

Community and National Involvement

Floria Pinkney was also on the board of managers for the Ashland Place YWCA in Brooklyn. The YWCA helps young women. In 1926, she represented the Ashland Place Y at a meeting in Trenton.

In 1930, she attended the YWCA's national meeting. There, she was chosen to represent the Industrial Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.

In 1933, Floria faced discrimination. She was not allowed into the Cairo Hotel in Washington, D.C.. She was there for a labor conference. Other people at the conference marched to protest this unfair treatment.

In 1935, Floria was asked to teach classes. These classes were for workers at the Harlem YWCA and Utopia Neighborhood House. She taught them about their rights and how to organize.