During a recent city council meeting in Rialto, representatives from the Inland Empire Black Workers Center (IEBWC) presented their mission and ongoing initiatives aimed at supporting Black workers in the Inland Empire. Sophia Middleton and Saul Mario Alvarez, UCLA Freedom Fellows, highlighted the center's commitment to building a Black worker-led movement focused on securing quality jobs, economic mobility, and advocating for equitable policies.

The IEBWC's efforts are rooted in findings from the \"Ain't No Sunshine\" report, which outlines the challenges faced by Black workers in the region, including discrimination and wage disparities across various job sectors. The report indicates a significant migration of the Black working class within California, impacting the demographics and economic landscape of the Inland Empire, particularly Rialto, which ranks as the seventh most Black populated area in the region.

Middleton emphasized the center's advocacy for Senate Bill 1340, which aims to streamline the process for addressing discrimination complaints, allowing workers to recover lost wages and return to work more swiftly. The organization has also been active in promoting fair wages and workplace safety through collaboration with local and state policymakers.

In addition to legislative advocacy, the IEBWC is engaged in civic initiatives, including voter registration drives and educational workshops designed to enhance political participation among Black residents. Their recent activities included participation in lobby days in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., aimed at securing reparations and funding for Black-led organizations.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration with the city to empower Black individuals and strengthen community ties, as the IEBWC continues to build worker power through a tiered membership program that encourages varying levels of commitment from community members.