Nelson "Jack" Edwards facts for kids

Nelson "Jack" Edwards (born 1917, died 1974) was an important leader in the UAW (United Auto Workers). He also helped start the CBTU, which stands for the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. He worked hard to improve conditions for workers and to fight for civil rights.

Early Life and Union Start

Nelson Edwards was born in 1917 on a farm in Lowndes County, Alabama. When he was 20, in 1937, he moved to Detroit. There, he started working at a Chrysler car plant.

He quickly became involved with the local union at Chrysler. His brother John inspired him to join the growing union movement of the 1930s. Nelson was chosen as a UAW Union steward, which meant he represented workers at Chrysler's Foundry plant.

In 1941, he left Chrysler and found a job at the Ford Lincoln Plant in Detroit. He immediately became active in his new union, Local 900. By 1944, he was chosen to lead the local's education, citizenship, and rules committee. Nelson Edwards was a big part of the community and politics in Detroit and Michigan for many years.

Fighting for Civil Rights

Nelson Jack Edwards was a strong and dedicated fighter for civil rights. He helped create several important groups that worked for equality.

• In 1957, he was one of the founders of the Trade Union Leadership Council (TULC).
• In 1959, he helped start the Negro American Labor Council (NALC), led by Philip Randolph.
• In September 1972, he was a founder of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU).

As a Vice President of the UAW, he was in charge of many different departments. These included areas like manufacturing, parts, and training. He also helped lead the Manpower Training and Development Department. He chaired the UAW's Southeastern Michigan Community Action Program Council (SEMCAP).

Jack was a member of many organizations, including the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). He believed in making life better for all people.

Advocating for Workers

Nelson Jack Edwards strongly supported programs that helped workers. He pushed for:

• Collective bargaining: This is when workers negotiate together for better pay and conditions.
• Paid time off: So workers could have time away from work without losing money.
• Pension programs: Plans to help workers save money for retirement.
• Free medical exams: On-the-job health checks for workers and their families.
• Pension reinsurance: A federal law to protect private pension plans.

Legacy and Remembrance

Nelson Jack Edwards died on November 2, 1974, at the age of 57. He was the first Black person to become a Vice President of the UAW. He was also a long-time champion for civil rights.

In March 1975, a special event was held to honor him. The International Union dedicated one of the buildings at the Walter and May Reuther UAW Family Education Center to him. This was a tribute to his lasting memory and all his hard work.