THE VFA PIONEER HISTORIES PROJECT

Velma B. Hopkins

February 24, 1909 – March 19, 1996

“I know my limitations and I surround myself with people who I can designate to be sure [projects are] carried out. If you can’t do that, you’re not an organizer.”

Labor rights activist and organizer. 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. 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 within the African American community of Winston-Salem. President of Concerned Women for Justice. Campaigned against the closing of Reynolds Memorial Hospital, the death penalty and conditions at Women’s Prison in Raleigh. Founded a child-care center, Exodus Enrichment Center.