Since almost all Negroes are workers, live on wages, and suffer from the high cost of food, clothing and shelter, it is obvious that the Republican and Democratic Parties are opposed to their interests.

This quote by A. Philip Randolph offers a sharp critique of the major American political parties—the Republican and Democratic Parties—from the perspective of Black working-class Americans. When Randolph states that “almost all Negroes are workers, live on wages, and suffer from the high cost of food, clothing and shelter,” he is emphasizing the economic vulnerability and exploitation that characterized the lives of most African Americans during his time. His argument is that the basic economic needs of this population are not adequately addressed by either party.

Randolph’s conclusion—that both major parties are “opposed to their interests”—reflects his belief that neither the Republican nor Democratic platforms were truly aligned with the economic justice and civil rights demands of Black Americans. Instead of promoting policies to alleviate poverty, improve wages, or reduce the cost of living, both parties, in Randolph’s view, were tied to corporate interests and systemic inequalities that maintained the status quo. His critique is rooted in a broader call for political independence and labor-based solidarity among Black workers.

The origin of this quote can be found in Randolph’s work as a pioneering civil rights leader, labor organizer, and founder of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters—the first major African American labor union. Active throughout the early to mid-20th century, Randolph played a key role in advocating for economic equality, the desegregation of the military, and the March on Washington Movement. His political philosophy often focused on the intersection of race and class, and he was known for his willingness to challenge both political parties when they failed to serve the interests of the marginalized.

Ultimately, Randolph’s quote is a call for awareness and mobilization. It reminds us that representation in name only is not enough; real support must come through policies that address the material conditions of people’s lives. His message continues to resonate in contemporary debates about economic justice, systemic racism, and the need for truly inclusive political platforms.