Black History Month

This Black History Month, we honor the 2025 theme: "African Americans and Labor," recognizing the vital contributions of Black workers in shaping our nation’s economy and civil rights movements.⁠

Dr. Rex Fortune

Dr. Rex Fortune, a lifelong advocate for educational equity and dedicated leader in public education, spent two decades as a school superintendent before founding the Fortune School of Education in Sacramento in 1989. His mission was to prepare a diverse generation of teachers, particularly in science and mathematics, where shortages were prevalent. A Stanford University graduate with a doctorate in education, Dr. Fortune was also a prolific author, penning four books on education, including Bridging the Achievement Gap and Leadership on Purpose: Promising Practices for African American and Hispanic Students. His most recent work, African American History Presentation: Video Lesson Plan, was published last year. Honoring his legacy,Rex F ortune Elementary, designed by AC Martin, opened in Fall 2023 as the first elementary school in the Center Joint Unified School District. Dedicated to fostering excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM), the school continues Dr. Fortune’s vision of empowering future generations. His impact on education will be felt for years to come.

Top: Rex Fortune with family at the school groundbreaking in 2022
Bottom: Completed school in 2023 ⁠

100th Anniversary Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids, founded by labor leader A. Philip Randolph in 1925. As the first Black-led labor union, the BSCP fought for fair wages and better working conditions across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, paving the way for greater racial and economic justice.⁠ ⁠

Left: Washington D.C. chapter of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids photographed in front of the YMCA. Right: Statue of A. Philip Randolph in the Amtrak Back Bay Station, Boston.