History of the National Alliance of Postal and Federal Employees 1913-1945

This is a must read book on the history of National Alliance of Postal and Federal Employees (NAPFE) between 1913 and 1945. It deals with a part of American history that has long been ignored by historians. Because racism was high and mighty, African American postal workers were not allowed to join the all white Railway Mail Association. This 32-year of NAPFE history shows that "if there is a will there is way." African-American workers did not wait for the Whites to change their minds. They instead organized their own union and became active in the civil rights movement. NAPFE emerged as a strong union that endured the test of time. Throughout the years since its inception in 1913, NAPFE has been an independent voice defending the rights of American workers and promoting racial equality and social justice for all. This book is well written and well documented. It tells a story that has never been told before. It should be of interest to scholars and students who are studying or researching American social history, especially labor and trade unions.

Mohamed El-Khawas, Ph.D.

Professor of History and Political Science

University of District of Columbia