JIMMY MIDDLETON

1923-1999

A powerful advocate for laborers and for civil rights, Jimmy Middleton devoted his career to building Laborers Local 18 into an exemplary model for working people everywhere. 

Born in Centerville, Middleton’s labor career began at a 35-cents-per-hour job with the Timber Fabricating Company, during which he served as student government president and helped organize a campaign to build the administration building at what is now Texas Southern University. 

Elected Secretary-Treasurer of the Laborers local in 1960, he helped build a new union hall, pioneered a health testing program and helped found the Houston chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, serving for a time as its president. Throughout his union career, he advocated for voting rights for all citizens. 

Middleton was involved in too many civic and civil rights organizations to list on this plaque, receiving awards from many of them. He was especially proud of his role as a founding member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.