The Wagner Act, also known as the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, was a historic piece of legislation that played a crucial role in advancing the rights of Black workers in the United States. The act was sponsored by Senator Robert F. Wagner of New York and signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of the New Deal reforms during the Great Depression.

The Wagner Act guaranteed workers the right to join labor unions, engage in collective bargaining with employers, and participate in strikes and other forms of collective action to improve working conditions. This was particularly significant for Black workers, who faced discrimination and exploitation in the workplace and were often excluded from labor unions.

By giving workers the legal protection to organize and advocate for their rights, the Wagner Act empowered Black workers to challenge racial discrimination, demand fair wages, and improve their working conditions. Black-led labor unions such as the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, founded by A. Philip Randolph, used the protections of the Wagner Act to fight for racial equality and economic justice in the workforce.

Overall, the Wagner Act was a landmark piece of legislation that helped to advance the rights of Black workers and played a key role in the struggle for civil rights and economic justice in the United States.