Philadelphia’s “Dorothy Bolden Day” Commemorates Black Leader of Domestic Workers Union

Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio

Dorothy Bolden, founder and president of the National Domestic Workers Union, photographed while working at her desk at the NDWUA offices in Atlanta, circa 1970.
National Domestic Workers Union Records

October 13th is now officially Dorothy Bolden Day in Philadelphia, in honor of the domestic workers’ rights icon. WHYY’s Laura Benshoff reports this is the latest in a string of moves by City Council to boost the profile of Philadelphia’s 16,000 domestic workers.

(Original air-date: 10/12/21)

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
Laura Benshoff covered stories of statewide interest for Keystone Crossroads and WHYY, with a focus on immigration. She previously reported on the suburbs, public education, and mental health. Her work has aired nationally on NPR, Marketplace and Reveal/CIR. Prior to becoming a journalist, she worked for the City of Philadelphia’s Commerce Department. Laura attended McGill University in Montreal, Canada. She diligently works at speaking Spanish and knows a little French.