Mae Massie Eberhardt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mae Massie Eberhardt
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| Born |
Mae Graves
August 31, 1915 |
| Occupation | Union Activist Executive Vice-President of the New Jersey Industrial Union Council |
Mae Massie Eberhardt, born in 1915, is an important person in New Jersey's history. She was a strong voice for workers' rights. She helped improve working conditions for many people in the 1900s.
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Mae Eberhardt's Early Life and Work
Mae Eberhardt was born in Virginia. Her parents were Randolph and Ida Kenny Graves. Later, she moved to New Jersey.
After her first marriage ended, Mae started working. She got a job at Orange and Domestic Laundry. This job led her to become involved in a workers' group.
Becoming a Union Activist
Working at the laundry, Mae joined Local 284. This group was part of the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Being part of this union meant she became a "union activist."
A union activist is someone who works to protect and improve the rights of workers. They help make sure people have fair pay and safe workplaces.
Mae later worked in electronics. She was at Kuthe Laboratories in Newark, New Jersey. Here, she was very active with the International Union of Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers (IUE).
Leading the Way in Labor
In 1963, Mae Eberhardt began working for the IUE. She became the civil rights director for District 3. This district covered both New Jersey and New York.
Her hard work and dedication led to a big achievement. Mae Eberhardt was elected as an executive vice-president. This was for the New Jersey Industrial Union Council.
A Historic Election
This election was very important. Mae Eberhardt became the first Black woman ever elected to such a high position. She was an officer in a state labor organization.
A state labor organization is a large group. It represents many different unions and workers across a state. Mae's election was a historic moment for workers' rights. It was also a big step for women and Black leaders in the labor movement.
