2Cups Café

Ray Wood's remarkable journey from Toledo's Door Street to leadership in both labor and civil rights movements offers powerful lessons on perseverance, purpose, and personal transformation. In this candid conversation, Wood takes us through the vibrant Black business district of his childhood, sharing memories of the Black Panthers' presence, movie theaters, and community landmarks that shaped his worldview. After tragedy struck when his sister was murdered, Wood enlisted in the Air Force, beginning a transformation that would eventually lead him to spiritual awakening in California. His story of hitchhiking across the country, driving taxis in unfamiliar cities, and gradually finding his purpose illuminates the unexpected paths that often lead to our greatest contributions. Wood provides rare insider perspective on the intersection of race and labor relations, detailing his rise through union leadership at General Motors while confronting workplace racism that included nooses and hostile graffiti. His methodical documentation of discrimination led to landmark civil rights victories that resonate beyond Toledo. As both a UAW president and NAACP leader, Wood navigated complex political territories, challenging stereotypes about both organizations while fighting for worker protection and civil rights. Perhaps most compelling is Wood's reflection on how faith anchored his activism. "Only what we do for Christ is going to last," he shares, revealing how spiritual purpose infused his approach to negotiation, representation, and community service. For anyone interested in labor history, civil rights, or personal transformation, this conversation offers invaluable wisdom from someone who's fought on multiple frontlines for justice. Ready to explore how one man's journey through Toledo's changing landscape reflects broader American struggles for equality? Listen now, and consider what lessons we might apply to today's divided workplace and society. Follow Allen C. Jackson - @2cupschronicles