On November 19, 2024, the National United Black Carpenters Union (NUBCU) Local 100 was launched, ushering in a new era of strength, unity, and empowerment in the construction industry. Abdur-Rahim Hameed, the union’s newly elected President, shared his vision for a united workforce, one grounded in the belief that with every hammer swing, nail driven, and foundation laid, Black carpenters rise stronger, together, and unstoppable.

Bill Day: Hameed, thank you for speaking with me today. You’ve been a transformative force in the construction industry for over 40 years. What inspired you to make such a lasting impact?

Abdur-Rahim Hameed: Thank you, Bill. It all began when I saw the lack of representation and opportunities for Black workers in construction. I witnessed firsthand how Black carpenters and contractors faced constant barriers—low wages, unsafe working conditions, and exclusion from publicly funded projects. I could no longer stand by. In 1989, I co-founded the Black Contractors Association (BCA) to advocate for inclusion and ensure that Black construction companies had equitable access to opportunities.

Bill Day: The BCA has had a significant impact, but the story didn’t stop there. What led to the establishment of the National Black Contractors Association (NBCA) in 2009?

Abdur-Rahim Hameed: That’s right. The BCA focused on building a strong foundation for Black contractors locally, but the challenges faced by our community were national in scope. In 2009, we established the National Black Contractors Association (NBCA) to amplify our advocacy efforts and expand opportunities for Black contractors across the country. NBCA became a central force for ensuring inclusion in publicly funded projects, improving access to capital, and fostering collaboration among Black construction professionals nationwide.

Bill Day: And now, with NUBCU, you’ve created a union focused specifically on Black carpenters. What drove you to take this next step in 2024?

Abdur-Rahim Hameed: While NBCA made tremendous strides, we realized Black men and women carpenters were facing even greater challenges on the ground. They were often relegated to underpaid, unsafe jobs with limited opportunities for growth. The National United Black Carpenters Union is a direct response to these challenges, offering Black carpenters fair wages, leadership opportunities, and a platform to thrive. NUBCU builds on the foundation laid by BCA and NBCA, addressing issues specific to the workforce within the industry.

Bill Day: It’s inspiring to see such a progression. What’s the core mission of NUBCU?

Abdur-Rahim Hameed: Our mission is simple: to unite Black men and women carpenters in order to change the industry for the better. This isn’t just about wages; it’s about dignity, respect, and opportunity. Every hammer swing, every nail driven, and every foundation laid is a symbol of our collective rise. Together, we are shaping not only wood but the future of our community. That’s the heart of NUBCU.

Bill Day: The strength of the pack is a powerful metaphor. How does NUBCU support its members, especially women in the union?

Abdur-Rahim Hameed: The strength of the wolf is in the pack. At NUBCU, we’re building a strong pack that includes everyone, especially women. We provide mentorship, training, and leadership opportunities to ensure every member can thrive. We’re committed to dismantling the barriers that have historically limited women’s opportunities in construction. In this union, everyone has a chance to succeed. As we rise, no one gets left behind.

Bill Day: I can feel your passion. How does NUBCU empower the next generation of Black carpenters?

Abdur-Rahim Hameed: We’re equipping the next generation with the tools they need to succeed both on and off the job site. Our apprenticeship programs focus on technical skills, leadership, and business education. We want our members to not just work in construction, but to lead in it. We’re preparing future carpenters who will rise to the top of the industry and beyond.

Bill Day: What are the biggest challenges Black carpenters and contractors still face, and how does NUBCU address them?

Abdur-Rahim Hameed: The biggest challenge is systemic racism. Black carpenters are often given low-paying, unsafe jobs with limited opportunities to advance. We also face obstacles like lack of capital, training, and industry connections. NUBCU is tackling these issues head-on by providing training, mentorship, and better job opportunities. We’re creating a support network where Black carpenters can connect, share resources, and build together.

Bill Day: What does the future hold for NUBCU?

Abdur-Rahim Hameed: The future is all about expanding our influence and increasing membership. We’re working to create more training centers across the country, while building relationships with other unions and organizations, and ensure the next generation of Black carpenters is ready to lead. We’re also focused on bringing more black women into the union and ensuring they have equal representation. The strength of our pack is our collective power, and together, we will be unstoppable.

Bill Day: Your vision is truly inspiring, Hameed. Finally, what advice would you give to young Black carpenters considering joining NUBCU?

Abdur-Rahim Hameed: I’d tell them this: Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t succeed. The road won’t always be easy, but we are here to support you every step of the way. Join the pack, and together, we’ll rise. With every hammer swing, every nail driven, and every foundation laid, we become stronger. The future is ours to build, and with NUBCU, you won’t just be part of the construction industry—you’ll be part of its transformation.

Bill Day: Thank you for sharing your vision, Hameed. Your leadership is shaping the future for Black carpenters, and with NUBCU’s rise, it’s clear that this transformation is unstoppable.

The launch of NUBCU on November 19, 2024, isn’t just the beginning of a new union—it’s the dawn of a powerful movement for equality, empowerment, and transformation in the construction industry. With every hammer swing, every nail driven, and every foundation laid, NUBCU’s members will continue to rise stronger, united, and unstoppable. The strength of the wolf is indeed in the pack, and NUBCU is a force that’s just getting started.