Pittsburgh's historic black musicians' union

Local 471 Historic Marker in Pittsburgh's Hill District

As a civil rights historian and labor activist I am always excited to learn about Blacks and their contributions to the Labor movement. Recently, while looking around the city to learn more about Blacks and their experiences within the powerful trade unions of Pittsburgh, I came across an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, about Pittsburgh's Musicians Local 471, an all Black union featuring George "Duke" Spaulding. It was dated June 22, 2012.

Naturally the article stood out to me as something that would be very interesting to learn about. Yes, I was on cloud nine learning about Local 471, the musicians, entertainers, and all of the contributions they made to the Black culture in Pittsburgh. Their role often overlooked within the broader labor movement, had a tremendous impact on Pittsburgh's Hill District community, which has been called the "cultural center of African-American life in Pittsburgh." However, there was a deeper connection to this story than I had anticipated, one that is very personal. 

As I read more, I learned a great deal about Brother George "Duke" Spaulding, and while I am a die hard trade unionist, I am not referring to him as brother in that capacity. I am proudly calling him brother in the context of our Masonic connection. Brother Spaulding and I are members of the same Consistory, St. Cyprians #4 and also as Shriner's in Sahara Temple #2. I have sat with and interacted with brother Spaulding on numerous occasions and must say I never knew that he was so instrumental in Pittsburgh Black Musicians Local Union 471.

Hat's off to you brother Spaulding and all of those who were with you helping to pave the way!

Click here to read the Pittsburgh Post Gazette story on the historic Black Musicians Union Local 471

The Crossroads of the World: A Social and Cultural History of Jazz in Pittsburgh's Hill District, 1920 - 1970

 Sahara Temple #2 - Brother Spaulding left front row