Organizing and Improvising: Black Musicians’ Participation in the Labor Movement in Philadelphia

Abstract: This presentation will examine a brief history of the emergence of Musicians' Protective Union Local 274 of the American Federation of Musicians. The history of Local 274 remains a testimony to the consciousness and collective behavior of Black musicians, who were predominantly jazz musicians. They broke racial barriers, admitted all musicians regardless of gender, color or religion and emphasized excellence, collectivity and pride in African American culture while promoting Black musical forms.