Labor Day is a powerful symbol of the American worker. It is a tribute to the generations who have labored, toiled and built the nation we know today. For African Americans, the significance of Labor Day goes far beyond the celebration of labor itself; it is a history rooted in enslavement, resilience and the unyielding spirit of freedom and entrepreneurship.
The labor of African Americans is intricate to the fabric of America’s story — starting from the arrival of enslaved Africans, through the Civil War, into the stories of Black farmers and business owners in Utah. It is a story of enduring, building and thriving.
Enslavement: The foundation of America’s wealth
The story of African Americans in the labor force begins in the dark chapter of American history — enslavement. Though not as prominent as the Southern states, the presence and contributions of African Americans in Utah during the period of enslavement cannot be overlooked. Some were brought to Utah by early settlers, including Mormon pioneers who, despite their migration to the West in search of religious freedom, believed in the institution of slavery. The labor of the enslaved was instrumental in the early development of Utah, contributing to the foundation upon which future generations would build. They were the first to enter the Salt Lake Valley, before Brigham Young would famously declare, “This is the place.”
Freedom and reconstruction: The dawn of new possibilities
The end of the Civil War in 1865, the Emancipation Proclamation and the subsequent 13th Amendment abolished slavery, giving all people the legal freedom that had been denied for centuries. Freedom, however, was not synonymous with equality, and the journey toward true emancipation was just beginning.
In Utah, the story was no different. Black pioneers who had come to the state seeking freedom and opportunities faced discrimination and segregation. Yet, they persevered, laying the groundwork for future generations. Some African Americans in Utah were able to acquire land and become farmers, despite the odds.
Black farmers in Utah: Cultivating the land, cultivating freedom
The story of Black farmers in Utah is one of resilience and determination. Farming offered Americans a tangible connection to the land and a means of self-sufficiency — a way to carve out a piece of the American Dream.
One such story is that of the Black families on “The Hill.” The Hill was a community of Black farmers in Millcreek. These families of Samuel Chambers, Sylvester James, Sylvester Perkins, Henry Leggroan, Alford Ruger and Louis Leggroan made their way to Millcreek in search of a better life. These families understood the value of land and the importance of farming as a means of establishing a foothold and a community in a society that often sought to exclude them. Black farmers faced numerous challenges, from discriminatory lending practices to the harsh realities of farming in a state with a challenging climate. Yet, they persisted. Their labor was not just about cultivating crops; it was about cultivating a sense of belonging and independence.
Black business owners in Utah: Building economies, building communities
Beyond farming, African Americans in Utah have a rich history of entrepreneurship and business ownership in places like Ogden, Salt Lake City and Corrinne. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Black business owners played a crucial role in building and sustaining their communities, often in the face of systemic racism and economic marginalization.
A significant chapter in Utah’s Black history is the story of Richmond Park and the “Lifting as We Climb” mural honoring four impactful women of the Black Central City community. They, through their entrepreneurial endeavors and community activism, helped uplift their community, embodying the principle that economic empowerment and social progress go hand in hand.
The ongoing legacy: Labor, entrepreneurship, and the fight for equality
Today, Sema Hadithi African American Heritage and Culture works to preserve and share these stories. By documenting the history of Black farmers, business owners and other pioneers, we inspire future generations to continue the legacy of resilience and entrepreneurship.
As we reflect on Labor Day, let us remember that the fight for freedom, equality and economic empowerment is far from over. The story of African American labor in America is a story of building communities, building economies and building a better future for all. It is a story that calls us to continue the work of those who came before and to ensure that the contributions of African Americans are remembered and celebrated.
This Labor Day, let us remember that labor is not just about the work we do — it is about the legacy we leave behind. Together, we can build a future that honors the past and paves the way for progress and equality.
(Robert S. Burch Jr.) Robert S. Burch Jr. is executive director of Sema Hadithi African American Heritage and Culture.
Robert S. Burch Jr. is executive director of Sema Hadithi African American Heritage and Culture, a nonprofit that researches, preserves and shares African American history in Utah and the old Utah Territory.
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