Earlier this year, I met Deanna Fry, a producer with CBS News’ Race and Culture unit. She reached out about a story on the health harms of coal-based steelmaking in Gary, Indiana. Gary is home to more than half of all coal-based steelmaking in the U.S. today, and its pollution is poisoning the city’s majority Black community.

While the cameras were setting up in my living room, Deanna and I were chatting about steel, Indiana, and the many ways Black Gary residents also benefited from the local steel industry in the past. I mentioned Black Freedom Fighters in Steel, a book about Black union leaders who fought to integrate and build power within the United Steelworkers. That’s when Deanna shared that her grandfather, Curtis Young, was featured in the book — and that his story was one reason she wanted to tell this one.

Mural of Gary steel union leaders in Gary, Indiana by Lauren M. Pacheco. (Rob Earnshaw / Post-Tribune)

This Labor Day weekend, I’ve been reflecting on that full-circle moment and the lessons in Black Freedom Fighters in Steel. One passage from Cutis Young stands out: "You cannot organize and work with people you do not know."

For me, it’s a powerful reminder. We can have the best data, the latest technology, and the sharpest strategies, but real change requires strong, trusting relationships. This Labor Day, I’m especially grateful for the relationships we’re building across our advocacy community, including with you, that make our shared power possible.

Want more like this? Subscribe to the Lab Report for updates on the movement to clean up heavy industry every two weeks.