https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PWeOO-fje9ZOP2ON0QMrusZufuf2uIUn/edit

• International Comparative Labor Studies (ICLS)
• Ujima Inclusive Economy Institute
• The Maroon League

International Comparative Labor Studies (ICLS) at Morehouse College

The International Comparative Labor Studies (ICLS) program at Morehouse College is a pioneering initiative established in 2017. Its primary mission is to create pathways for graduates to pursue careers in social justice through leadership, research, and community organizing. As an integral part of the historically Black college and university (HBCU) landscape, Morehouse College has a rich legacy of nurturing scholars who champion academic disciplines that advance human and civil rights, particularly in the Southern United States.

Mission and Vision:

Mission: ICLS aims to embed the labor studies discipline within Morehouse College, providing an education that examines the pivotal role of Black workers in the civil rights movement and American labor history. The program is dedicated to serving African American workers and communities in their quest for meaningful lives, social justice, and a sustainable environment.

Vision: The program envisions a world where all labor is dignified and recognized, bridging the conceptual, organizational, and pedagogical gap between mental and manual labor. Inspired by Morehouse alumnus Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who affirmed that "all labor has dignity," ICLS promotes the cultivation and proper remuneration of all forms of work. The ultimate goal is to equip Morehouse graduates with the knowledge and skills to promote equity and justice in the workplace and beyond, empowering them to become agents of change.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Educational Integration:
   • Curriculum Development: ICLS develops and integrates a comprehensive labor studies curriculum that highlights the contributions of Black workers to the civil rights movement and American labor history. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of labor issues and the skills to address them.
   • 21st-Century Vision: The program offers a forward-looking perspective on sustainable and meaningful work lives for African Americans and all workers, advocating for the dignity of all labor and the importance of equitable labor practices.
2. Social Justice:
   • Serving Communities: ICLS is committed to serving African American workers and communities by promoting social justice and a sustainable environment. The program focuses on addressing the challenges faced by marginalized workers and developing innovative solutions to foster inclusive, fair, and dignified work environments.
3. Research and Advocacy:
   • Research Initiatives: ICLS conducts rigorous research to shed light on the challenges faced by workers, particularly those from communities of color. The program's research aims to inform policy and practice, providing a foundation for advocacy and change.
   • Advocacy Efforts: Through partnerships and collaborations, ICLS advocates for the rights of workers, emphasizing that these rights are inextricably linked to justice. The program works to amplify the voices of marginalized workers and influence policies that promote equity and justice.

Background and Context:

In March 2023, ICLS embarked on a path to formalize its work in political economy and community development by establishing an inclusive economy institute. This move aligns with the broader goal of expanding opportunities for shared prosperity, especially for those facing significant barriers. This effort gained momentum around 2015 with support from The Rockefeller Foundation (TRF), which developed a framework outlining five key characteristics of an inclusive economy: equitable, participatory, growing, sustainable, and stable.

Theory of Change:

ICLS recognizes the importance of grounding its work in a clear theory of change that articulates how desired social and economic outcomes will be achieved. The organization is currently assessing different theories of change, drawing wisdom from elders and thought leaders, while developing its own that aligns with its specific goals. ICLS emphasizes the significance of connecting indicators and measures to the underlying theory of change to ensure real-world impact.

Program Agendas:

ICLS's Inclusive Economy work is organized around four main programmatic areas, each serving as a hub for building strategic relationships with organizations identified through a landscape scan. These agendas include: