Velma Hopkins

Velma Hopkins (February 24, 1909 – March 19, 1996) was an American labor rights activist. In 1943 she helped organize a strike against R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, which attracted over 10,000 participants from Winston-Salem, North Carolina and led to the founding of the only union to be formed by Reynolds Tobacco employees. Hopkins was a leader in Local 22, a racially integrated union led primarily by Black women. Her efforts in fighting for higher pay and fair treatment made her a leader in the African American community of Winston-Salem.

Early life and education

Velma Hopkins was born February 24, 1909, the eldest of four children. Her mother was widowed before Velma was ten years old and the family moved to Winston-Salem.

After the 1943 death of a coworker, Hopkins and others organized a walkout. City workers in other professions joined in the strike, and eventually more than 10,000 people walked picket lines outside of the company's headquarters. Local 22 was racially integrated and led primarily by Black women. It was the only union in the history of Reynolds Tobacco.

Describing how complaints increased after the union was formed, Hopkins explained that people had been too afraid to complain before the formation of the union, "I've got to work. I'm head of a household. I'm feeding children. Even though you ain't making but $9.35, that $9.35 meant survival. And once we got the union, they felt like, well, I've got some protection. I've got somebody that really cares."

Hopkins was disparaged and received death threats for her actions. Local press and the Reynolds leadership engaged in red-baiting and anti-union efforts, and Local 22 lost a decertification election in 1950.

Later activism and legacy

Hopkins's labor work made her a leader in the local Black community, and she continued her efforts fighting for civil liberties for African Americans.

North Carolina State Senator Earline Parmon was mentored by Hopkins and described Hopkins as "instrumental in shaping her and a generation of local black leaders".