The Negro Union Official: A Study of Sponsorship and Control

Abstract

For a Negro to be selected for office in a predominantly white trade-union, there must ordinarily be a sizable Negro membership and the union must be facing a conflict. The typical mode of selection is sponsorship by white leaders who recognize the expediency of the sponsorship in meeting the conflict. The two major roles the sponsored Negro official plays-the symbolic and the liaison-support the white leaders' interests in maintaining control over the union. They present problems for the personal career of the Negro official, who consequently may try to modify them.