Final answer:
A. Philip Randolph was a key figure in the labor movement, improving opportunities for African Americans through his push for Executive Order 8802, which aimed to end racial discrimination in the defense industry during World War II.
Step-by-step explanation:
A. Philip Randolph was a monumental figure in the American labor movement, particularly regarding the fight against racial discrimination in the workplace. His leadership within the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, a significant African American trade union, catapulted him to national prominence. During World War II, Randolph's influence grew as he challenged discriminatory practices head-on. His threatened March on Washington in 1941, aimed at desegregating the military and eliminating discrimination in government defense factories, prompted President Franklin D. Roosevelt to sign Executive Order 8802. This order created the Fair Employment Practices Committee (FEPC) to prohibit racial discrimination in the defense industry. While steps towards desegregation were made, Randolph's efforts also revealed persistent inequalities, such as the exclusion of African Americans from well-paid positions, even in environments where hiring was non-discriminatory.