Hattie Canty worked as a janitor after moving to Las Vegas in 1961. Her husband worked in construction. In 1975, Canty’s husband met an untimely death from lung cancer. Canty was now the sole provider for her children.
Canty joined Culinary Workers Union Local 226 as a maid in hopes of making a decent salary. She quickly began to advocate for her fellow service workers and union leadership took notice.
Canty soon elevated to president of Culinary 226. Under her leadership, the union held one of the longest strikes in U.S. history, from 1991 to 1997, which cost the company they were fighting against an estimated $1 billion.
But Canty didn’t rest on her title. Her life’s work ensured that hospitality workers would be paid fair wages and that they would receive healthcare.
Canty turned the tragedy of her husband’s death into a life of service to her children, and to the labor and civil rights movement. Black women are often at the forefront of social change and their leadership can inspire us to fight together for economic liberation.