The United Construction Workers Association (UCWA) was founded in 1970 by Tyree Scott (1940-2003), an electrician who had become a Seattle civil rights activist. The UCWA began with the goal of uniting minority construction workers to promote their employment in the construction industry and prevent discrimination. Because of union control over the local labor market, it was almost impossible for Black workers and Black contractors to benefit from government contracts. The UCWA negotiated on behalf of Black workers, led protests, initiated lawsuits, and organized worker support groups.
In this image about 200 UCWA members and their supporters pass Ninth Avenue on their march down Madison Street to the United States Federal Courthouse in downtown Seattle. During the summer of 1972, the UCWA closed down a number of area construction sites including Interstate 90 and the Seattle Central Community College in a series of direct action protests.
Businesses in image: The White Shop, Professional Uniforms; Kurlette Beauty Salon
Caption information source: http://www.blackpast.org/aaw/united-construction-workers-association Caption information source: The Seattle Times, July 8, 1972, page 3 Caption information also derived from captions written by Post-Intelligencer staff and attached to the back of the photograph.
