Clarence Thomas Discusses Labor Activism, Legacy, and Family Pride in Interview with Tavis Smiley

On June 5, 2025, Clarence Thomas—respected African American labor leader, retired ILWU Local 10 member, and author of Mobilizing in Our Own Name: The Million Worker March—joined Tavis Smiley for an in-depth studio interview on KBLA 1580 am talk radio. Thomas reflected on his decades of labor and community activism, advocating for social justice, workers’ rights, and racial equity in the U.S. and abroad.

The conversation also highlighted his family legacy, including his close relationship with nephew and acclaimed filmmaker Ryan Coogler. Thomas expressed deep pride in Coogler’s cinematic achievements and their shared commitment to uplifting marginalized voices.