Black History: Special Delivery!!
Dorothy Bolden was a trailblazer whose activism transformed domestic work and empowered countless Black women. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1923, she grew up in the segregated South, where domestic labor was one of the few options available to Black women. Raised by parents who valued hard work and community, Bolden learned the realities of domestic service early—her mother was a housekeeper, and by the age of nine, she was already working alongside her.
Though she had limited formal education due to a childhood eye injury, Bolden’s sharp intellect and natural leadership set her apart. She worked as a domestic worker for much of her life, experiencing firsthand the low wages, long hours, and lack of job security that defined the industry. These injustices fueled her determination to fight for better conditions. Unlike traditional labor unions, which often excluded domestic workers, Bolden recognized the need for an organization that would represent their unique struggles.
Living in Atlanta placed her at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was her neighbor, and their conversations deeply influenced her activism. King encouraged Bolden to channel her experiences into organizing, recognizing the power of domestic workers as a force for social change. Inspired by these discussions, she began mobilizing workers in her community.
In the 1960s, Bolden rode buses across the city, striking up conversations with maids and nannies, encouraging them to demand fair wages and dignity on the job. Her grassroots efforts led to the founding of the National Domestic Workers Union of America (NDWUA) in 1968, an organization that fought for better wages, social security benefits, and workplace protections for thousands of Black women. Unlike other labor unions, the NDWUA did not require dues, making it accessible to low-income workers.
One of Bolden’s most significant victories was pushing for domestic workers to be included in social security benefits, something they had been historically excluded from. Her relentless advocacy pressured politicians to recognize the economic contributions of domestic workers, ultimately securing better rights and wages for them. She also worked closely with local and national leaders, ensuring that Black women’s voices were heard in labor and civil rights discussions.
Beyond her union work, Bolden was an influential figure in her community. She worked on political campaigns, helping Black voters navigate the registration process and advocating for policies that supported working-class families. Despite facing threats and resistance, she never wavered in her mission to uplift those who had been overlooked.
Bolden’s work continued for decades, but by the late 1980s, the NDWUA began to lose momentum. Changes in the economy, shifting job markets, and a decline in domestic workers organizing collectively led to the union’s disbandment. Additionally, without a strong successor to carry on her work at the same level, the organization struggled to sustain itself. While the NDWUA dissolved, Bolden’s impact lived on through the labor protections she helped secure and the generations of domestic workers she empowered.
She passed away in 2005, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, advocacy, and change. Though her name may not be as widely recognized as some civil rights leaders, her contributions to labor rights, particularly for Black women, remain vital. Her work laid the foundation for future domestic workers’ movements and labor protections that continue to evolve today.
Another installment of melanated mail has been delivered. Ponder, reflect, and pass it on.
Sources:
- Hunter, Tera W. To ‘Joy My Freedom: Southern Black Women’s Lives and Labors After the Civil War. Harvard University Press, 1997.
- Nadasen, Premilla. Household Workers Unite: The Untold Story of African American Women Who Built a Movement. Beacon Press, 2015.
- Gilmore, Glenda Elizabeth. Defying Dixie: The Radical Roots of Civil Rights, 1919-1950. W.W. Norton & Company, 2008.
- Jones, Jacqueline. Labor of Love, Labor of Sorrow: Black Women, Work, and the Family from Slavery to the Present. Basic Books, 2010.
