A. Philip Randolph (April 15, 1889 – May 16, 1979) was a social activist who fought for labor rights for African-American communities during the 20th century. During World War I, he attempted to unionize African-American shipyard workers and elevator operators and co-launched a magazine designed to encourage demand for higher wages. He later importantly founded the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, which by 1937 would become the first official African-American labor union.