As a maid and housekeeper, Dora Lee Jones knew all about horrible working conditions. She was at a loss until she heard about a group of Black workers in California.
Recognizing the need for Black domestic workers’ voices to be heard in Harlem, Jones created the Harlem Domestic Workers’ Union. But her work wasn’t well-received at first. Many thought Jones’ actions were foolish and that there was bigger issues to rally around.
Jones used her terrible experiences as a domestic worker to build community. She didn’t let a negative situation ruin her capacity to make change. Her enthusiasm helped spread her motto that “Every household worker is a union worker.” Membership in the union steadily grew and their community led to tangible change.
The union’s work resulted in higher wages, paid vacations, breaks, two week’s notice and much more. All of these workplace rights wouldn’t have been achieved if Black women like Jones didn’t stand up and say enough is enough.
Jones used an awful experience to create something impactful for other Black people. She reminds us that our liberation will only come from us advocating for us.