Dear Dr. Warren:
I’m profoundly disappointed at the seeming lack of interest in the plight of Black male workers in the construction industry. I thought the Word in Black syndicate would be receptive to an article on the needs of working class Black men. The question of construction industry exclusion is a core concern – and the Baltimore bridge collapse reflected the odds against the group.
Namely, in a region with high numbers of Black workers seeking skilled jobs, they are passed over for immigrants – legal and illegal – in the lucrative construction industry. Yet, neither the Black press nor Black political leadership seems to care less about the fate of the working class demographic. Not a word has been spoken…?
My recent commentary on the bridge was a chance to spotlight Biden’s empty promise of inclusion to Black labor and contractors in the infrastructure projects – but already, the industry is lining up to squeeze Black folks out of the picture once again.
Have we become a party to our own downfall?
Roger House
Professor Emeritus of American Studies at Emerson College
