Doing Black History In Oregon With CBTU

We are fortunate to have a state chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) here in Oregon with strong leadrship and participation. The Chapter draws its energy from the spirit of the founders of CBTU, the victories and advances being made by Black union members and leaders nationally, and from members of AFSCME, AFT, SEIU and other unions here in Oregon. This blog often highlights CBTU events for the good and simple reasons that Black lives matter and that we can't have union growth and stability without mass participation and leadership coming from Black workers. Please notice that a standing item on this blog is an advertisement for the KMUZ Community Radio show produced by CBTU members and for the KBOO radio show that CBTU members help produce and lead.

I believe that we could talk and post all day about the Oregon CBTU Chapter and its great leadership and accomplishments and that we would still be remiss if we did not give readers some idea of what a CBTU event looks and feels like. The Chapter did a compelling series on Black history last month---not totally on what happened in the past, but on what is carried forward from the past into the present and what challenges are facing us as all of us work to construct a better future for all. If all you did was read about CBTU here you would not get the full flavor of what CBTU does, what a CBTU event looks and feels like. You might go away thinking that it's just another organization and later for that. But hold on.

Vinnie Blanco, a Labor Relations Director at Blanco Labor Solutions and a CBTU leader here in Oregon, has sent around and posted the photos below. Here we see Brother Blanco with State Senator James Manning, Chapter President and AFSCME retree leader Tina Turner-Morfitt, and State Representative Travis Nelson with many others. This event was the Chapter's final salute (for now) to Black excellence during their 2024 Black History Month Celebration. The photos remind me that we should be fully about making every day about Black history and advancing the shared interests of people of color and labor.

This is a view into the future of Oregon, progressive politics, and the labor movement. This strength and joy is what you will see at every CBTU event and meeting. Now that you know---join and show up!