Oral History Interview with Maida Springer Kemp, International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union by Elizabeth Balanoff, 1977

The collection contains the bound oral history of Maida Springer Kemp. The interview was conducted by Elizabeth Balanoff as part of the oral history project "The 20th Century Trade Union Women: Vehicle for Social Change" in cooperation with "The Black Women Oral History Project" of the Schlesinger Library at Radcliffe College. The oral history took place over the course of multiple interviews beginning on January 4, 1977. Kemp discusses her family background and early history of coming from Panama and the alienation of being both a foreigner and black. She comments on the closeness with her mother and their introduction into America and its culture, and early influences, especially in the black community.



Kemp recounts her early work history and how she became involved with the ILGWU, her activism and participation within the union and the various positions she held and roles she played. She focuses on the importance of social issues of the union including health and education. Kemp also touches on subjects such as racial and sex discrimination. Contacts and acquaintances of the women from other unions and labor, including Pauline Newman and Rose Schneiderman are mentioned.



Her work outside the ILGWU is examined, including the early trips overseas for the AFL, and projects with A. Philip Randolph. Much emphasis in the interview is placed on Kemp's international efforts, especially Africa. Discussed is the labor movement in Africa and the support and organization by American labor in those efforts, the importance of workers' education, the progress made in educating the leadership of the African labor movement, and the building and organizing of trade union centers, mainly Solidarity House in Nairobi.



Kemp provides her personal thoughts on the women's movement, she states that she is a supporter but not an activist, and believes it is misunderstood in a similar way as the labor movement. The interviewer asks Kemp what she would have told or done if she had a daughter, and the conversation turns to advice for young women regarding education, career, sex and marriage. Other topics discussed in detail include Kemp's involvement in organizations such as the NAACP and the Urban League.