Black History Month 2025: Celebrating African Americans and Labor

As we move into the celebration of Black History Month, we reflect on the immeasurable contributions of Black people to the fabric of our nation, especially in the realms of labor and community building. This year's theme from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is African Americans and Labor and calls on us to celebrate the ways that African American labor has served as a bedrock for the foundation of our nation and continues to shape our experiences today. 

Throughout history, Black workers have been at the heart of the labor force, driving economic growth, innovation, and progress in ways that often went unrecognized. From the labor of enslaved Africans that built much of this country’s economic foundation, to the countless Black activists and workers who fought for fair wages, safe working conditions, and labor rights, the contributions of Black people to the labor movement have been transformative.

While we continue to see the echoes of this struggle, for nearly 50 years, the Central Florida Urban League has successfully advanced the social and economic well-being of our clients and our community. We pride ourselves on ensuring that our programming has not only met the current, but also the future, needs of our community. We remain committed to lifting our community through education, employment and entrepreneurship and in turn, ensuring that our community’s labor force is supported in meaningful and impactful ways.



I have seen first-hand the excitement in the eyes of our clients as they walk through our doors. Individuals of all ages come to us with sights set on creating a prosperous future for themselves, their families and their community. As President and CEO, I am excited to do all I can to ensure that their dreams become a reality. By working together, we will ensure that every client who comes to us with a desire for a better opportunity will have the resources they need and want.

This month, as we reflect on the past, let us also commit to building a future where all workers are valued and supported. Let us take this opportunity to recognize the profound impact of Black labor in shaping our past, present, and future.

Thank you for being a part of the Central Florida Urban League Movement.

Elizabeth R. Grace
President and CEO, Central Florida Urban League