Honoring Ben Fletcher & the Legacy of Local 8

On June 21 at 12:00 PM at Spruce Street Harbor Park, a powerful celebration will occur of one of Philadelphia’s most underrecognized heroes of labor and racial justice—Ben Fletcher. A fearless Black union organizer and brilliant orator, Fletcher played a central role in leading Local 8 of the Industrial Workers of the World (I.W.W.), a racially integrated, radically inclusive dockworkers union that redefined solidarity in the early 20th century.

This Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony honors Fletcher’s enduring impact and the legacy of Local 8, whose members championed racial equality, worker dignity, and collective power long before such values were widely embraced.

The new state historical marker will be unveiled just steps away from the mural we proudly dedicated last year in Fletcher’s honor—continuing our commitment to elevating stories that challenge, inspire, and reflect Philadelphia’s rich labor history.