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!  

“The question on the ballot is whether we save democracy in the United States of America or do we go to a dictatorship?” says the president of CBTU

The People's World on-line publication is highlighting remarks made by the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists president Terry Melvin at the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Legislative Conference held in Washington, D.C. on Monday of this week. It is quite significant that AFGE chose the CBTU president as the keynote speaker.

The People's World article bears some careful reading and consideration. The article says in part:

“The 2024 election is about the soul of this nation,” Melvin, said.

“The question on the ballot is whether we save democracy in the United States of America or do we go to a dictatorship?”

“Racism, white supremacy, and xenophobia are all taking us back to pre-civil rights days,” warned Melvin...Melvin’s latest example of Trump’s stranglehold on the Republicans—and, in turn, on the republic—was the recent bipartisan “deal” on immigration which senators of both parties reached, and which gave in to most GOP demands for strong anti-migrant measures.

“And then one on the Republican side, Trump said ‘Don’t sign (actually vote for) for that bill.’ And the Republicans turned around. The House Republicans called it dead on arrival.”...Melvin said that the way to beat Trump and other anti-worker Republicans is to emphasize Biden’s pro-worker record, point out that Republican-named Supreme Court justices and congressional Republicans stymied many of his plans, and to register increasing numbers of people of color to vote, get them to do so and ensure their ballots are counted.

The article points out that the dominant trend at the union conference was critical of the "Republican’s anti-union, anti-federal worker track record during Trump’s 2017-21 reign" and highlighted the disaster that "would occur for federal workers and all workers if Trump returns to the White House next January 20."

CBTU President Terry Melvin, keynoting CBTU’s 2023 Convention, called 

out thedanger of a 'racist, anti-democratic America' that wants to see Black

 and Brown people 'eradicated from stories about America’s less than perfect 

self.' | via Machinists Union and the People's World.

The views expressed in this post are not necessarily those of the Marion-Polk-Yamhill Central Labor Chapter or the Oregon AFL-CIO.

Let's do Black History Month in Oregon the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists' way!

The Oregon Chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) has organized a series of important educational forums to take us through Black History Month. There is something for all of us here, so please participate and take what you learn into building a stronger and more inclusive and active labor movement.

Please see this great article by Tina Turner-Morfitt regarding CBTU and William "Bill" Lucy to get started.  

Join CBTU and members of other organizations on these dates through February:

** https://us06web.zoom.us/s/5383642165?omn=86773370721#success

Thursday 2/1/2024 CBTU Under 40 podcast w William Lucy
live interview with Brother Oluwadamini Melvin 6pm **

Thursday 2/8/2024 Relevance of Black Voices in Politics
Moderated 6:30 pm **

Thursday 2/15/2024 Health Care Oregon Style
Moderated 6:30 pm **

Thursday 2/22/2024 Labor History Workshop
(face to face) Oregon AFL-CIO 3645 SE 32nd Ave PDX
6:30pm

Thursday 2/29/2024 Movie Night/moderated discussion 7-9 pm
(face to face)/SEIU Local 503 525 NE Oregon PDX 7-9
pm

And remember:

At 4:30 pm on this day in 1960, Ezell Blair Jr., David Richmond, Joseph McNeill, and Franklin McCain, all students at A&T University, sat down at a segregated lunch counter in a Greensboro Woolworth's store, ordered coffee, and stayed in their seats, despite being refused service, until the store closed. 5 days later, over 500 students filled that store and others in downtown Greensboro. From there the sit-ins spread across the state and across the South, transforming the Civil Rights movement.

A Very Important Post Asking For Solidarity With A Union Sister & Activist

We have a union and Coalition of Black Trade Unionists sister here in Oregon who is in urgent need of assistance. the details are as given below. This post is lifted from an appeal making the rounds. I know  Nanette "d" Carter-Jafri and I have donated because her great work has motivated me over the years. Also, what happened to her could happen to most anyone who does the kinds of homecare work that she does. Please assist if you possibly can by donating to help cover her needs via https://www.gofundme.com/f/rent-assistance-for-assaulted-member-leader.

Nanette "d" Carter-Jafri is a Care Provider who was recently assaulted by a stranger as they were completing a task for their consumer. They suffered injuries that forced them to stop working for the consumer. "D" has been out of work for a whle due to this and has been struggling to make ends meet. She is hoping that the generosity of friends, co-workers, union brothers and sisters and SEIU workers and staff will be able to help her raise $3000.00 to keep her in her home this winter.

I have not had to honor to meet "D" so I reached out to a member of AFRAM to learn more about her:

You may meet her in the Forum Building or at SEIU events. Knowledgeable on everything Union with a passion for showcasing her in every way. "D"is a beloved Member from Local 99 as a PSW, PCA and a HCW. She has been a trailblazer with many hats as a Steward, HomeCare Director for District 1 and AFRAM President. She has brought awareness to important topic both to the Local and her Caucus community. D has been actively volunteering and teaching other members on how to be active in their Union for many years and is continuing to show the path to other future leaders.

During one of her nights assisting her consumer D has suffered an attack by a assailant who used hateful and discriminatory language. Due to this attack D had to remove herself from the unsafe workplace and is currently out of work to recover. Now D has at risk of losing her home during this time. Caucus Members, Members, and other Union siblings are requesting you to help their beacon of light from this dark moment and show that an injury to one is an injury to all!

Please donate what you can to help D with her recovery and keep her home this winter.

A celebration of the legacy of William Bill Lucy: Truly a Magical Night---Respectfully submitted By Tina Turner-Morfitt Vice President AFSCME Retiree Chapter

Sister Tina Turner-Morfitt, President of the Oregon Chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and a rank-and-file Oregon AFL-CIO leader and an active Oregon AFSCME retiree and a delegate to our Labor Chapter, sent the following post in. It captures vital moments in labor history and that point of confluence where the Civil Rights Movement and the Labor Movement flow together and become a might river.

The evening of December 10, 2023, was coined: ‘Make a Joyful Noise’. Hundreds of union and civil rights activists filled the ballroom of the Kimpton Holtel Monaco to pay homage to Brother William Bill Lucy on this celebration of his 90th birthday. Some the accolades used that evening described Brother Lucy, as: “the gold standard”, “a courageous visionary”, “a charismatic changer maker” and “the North Star of the labor movement.”

Reverend Terrence Melvin, the current International President of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, reflected that we were all witnessing a tribute to a rare human being, celebrating a rare milestone. The night was truly indeed magical.

A host of presenters who gave tribute to Brother Lucy’s global legacy include:

 Sister Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO President
 Brother Fred Redmond, Secretary Treasurer AFL-CIO
 Brother Lee Saunders, International President of AFSCME
 Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA), United Stated House of Representatives
 Marcia L Fudge, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
 Sister Clayola Brown, CBTU First Vice-President and Senior Advisor for Strategic Partnerships
and Racial Justice, AFL-CIO, A Philip Randolph Institute

On a faithful day in February 1968 Brother Lucy began forging his global legacy of inspiring activist
transitioning in subsequent years to become “a hero for members from every generation”. Later in 1972
he was elected as the first Black secretary-treasurer of AFSCME, one of the highest-ranking Black union leaders in organized labor at that time. To his acumen he didn’t stop there, he along with 4 other Black union leaders set a steady course of ensuring that Black workers and other underrepresented groups would become “full partners” in the labor movement’s leadership and contributing a campaign to broaden their mission statement to be more reflective of direction.

I was blessed to have witnessed this memorable evening and given the opportunity to present him with a signed framed copy of a resolution entitled ‘Legacy to William Lucy’ unanimously passed by the
Delegation of the Oregon AFSCME 2023 Biennial Convention on April 29th, 2023. Here it is, 55 years later, in his retirement, he continues to voice that, “Those that make history seldom see the footprints that they leave because the path is always before them.”

The Oregon Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Would Like To Share With You Our Special Recognition of Kwanzaa.

The information is from the National Museum of African American History and Culture – The web address is https://nmaahc.si.edu/kwanzaa:  

We call it Kwanzaa – The name actually comes from a Swahili phrase… Matunda Ya Kwanzaa – which means “First Fruits of the Harvest” and is rooted in first fruit celebrations which are found in cultures throughout Africa both in ancient and modern times.

December 26th begins the season of Kwanzaa!  A time for families and communities to come together to remember the past and to celebrate African American culture.

Created in 1966 by Maulana Ron Karenga, Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates history, values, family, community, and culture. The ideas and concepts of Kwanzaa are expressed in the Swahili language, one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa.

The seven principles which form its core were drawn from communitarian values found throughout the African continent. 

These principles are: 

Umoja – Unity: To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.  -  (Dec. 26)  

• Song for reflection: Worth His Weight in Gold (Rally Round the Flag), Steel Pulse.  
• The corresponding candle is Black, placed in the #4 position (center) of the Kinara, and the first candle lit, and the only candle lit each day.

Kuujichagulia – Self-Determination: To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.  -  (Dec. 27)

• Song for reflection: I am the Black Gold of the Sun, Rotary Connection & Minnie Riperton.  
• The corresponding candle is Red, placed in the #3 position of the Kinara, and the 2nd candle lit.

Ujima – Collective Work and Responsibility: To build and maintain our community together and make our community’s problems our problems and to solve them together.  -  (Dec. 28)  

• Song for reflection: Optimistic, Sounds of Blackness.
• The corresponding candle is Green, placed in the #5 position of the Kinara, and the 3rd candle lit.

Ujama – Cooperative Economics:  To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.  -  (Dec. 29)

• Song for reflection: We’re a Winner, Curtis Mayfield,
• The corresponding candle is Red, placed in the #2 position of the Kinara, and the 4th candle lit.

Nia – Purpose:  To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.  -  (Dec. 30)

• Song for reflection: Higher Ground, Stevie Wonder.
• The corresponding candle is Green, placed in the #6 position of the Kinara, and the 5th candle lit.

Kuumba – Creativity:  To always do as much as we can to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.  -  (Dec. 31)

• Song for reflection: Africa, John Coltrane.
• The corresponding candle is Red, placed in the #1 position of the Kinara, and the 6th candle lit.

Imani – Faith:  To believe with all our hearts in our people and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.   -  (Jan 1).

• Song for reflection: Keep Your Head to the Sky, Earth, Wind, and Fire.
• The corresponding candle is Green, placed in the #7 position of the Kinara, and the 7th candle lit.

Listen to the lyrical interpretation of those principles as sung by “Sweet Honey in the Rock” in their song Seven Principles.  Original song  written by Bernice Johnson Reagon.

• Umoja – Unity that brings us together
• Kuujichagulia – We will determine who we are
• Ujima - Working and building our union
• Ujama – We’ll spend our money wisely
• Nia - We know the purpose of our lives
• Kuumba – All that we touch is more beautiful
• Imani – We believe that we can. We know that we can, We will any way that we can.

Kwanzaa is a time of learning, family, and celebration.

During the week of Kwanzaa, families and communities come together to share a feast, to honor the ancestors, affirm the bonds between them, and to celebrate African and African American culture. Each day they light a candle to highlight the principle of that day and to breathe meaning into the principles with various activities, such as reciting the sayings or writings of great black thinkers and writers, reciting original poetry, African drumming, and sharing a meal of African diaspora-inspired foods. The table is decorated with the essential symbols of Kwanzaa, such as the Kinara (Candle Holder), Mkeka (Mat), Muhindi (corn to represent the children), The colors of the Pan-African flag, red (the struggle), black (the people), and green (the future), are represented in spaces, as decorations and in the clothing worn. These colors were first proclaimed to be the colors for all people of the African diaspora by Marcus Garvey.

Meals play a large part in the celebration of Kwanzaa. Throughout the week, favorite African American dishes, as well as traditional African, Caribbean, and South American recipes, are on many menus, and served in many homes, churches, and celebrations.

On December 31, the sixth day of Kwanzaa, there is a large feast called Karamu. Just like other Kwanzaa meals, any dish can be included as part of the Karamu.

"HOLLA...For Labor!!!", Labor Radio In Salem & Portland, And The Oregon Chapter Of The Coalition For Black Trade Unionists

 

Over the past 10 years, the Oregon Chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) has been working in collaboration with a labor continuum here in Oregon in the audio production of Labor Radio segments on KBOO Radio 90.7 FM. The continuum consists of seven contributors: Oregon CBTU, Jamie Partridge, Lane Poncy, Stephen Siegel, Tim EAnneMcD and Michael Cathcart. Our declarative statement of “highlighting the works of the working class, by the working class, for the working class” is broadcasted weekly at 6:00 pm on Monday night. Each week our storylines are labor intensive pieces relevant to organized labor and the impact on everyday workers. Our broadcasts reflect on the lives of actual workers involved in daily struggles and successes of lasting one day longer, contract negotiations, relevant legislative actions, union activism, and varied opinions on local, national, and sometimes international issues that buttress against ordinary workers as they go about making ends meet.

Recently within the past 2 years Oregon CBTU has expanded to include a rebroadcast of our
labor radio contributions on Willamette Wake Up, a weekday local public affairs program, on KMUZ Community Radio (88.5 & at 100.7 FM), fashionably coined as, “HOLLA FOR LABOR”. This new affiliation enables us to design labor radio segments more inclusive of the Mid-Willamette Valley workers.

The Oregon CBTU Labor Radio and HOLLA FOR LABOR segments consist of monthly ½ hour
segments featuring 3 on air contributors, Tina Turner-Morfitt, Dr. Audrey Terrell, and Deborah Hall. We are the 3 principal officers of Oregon CBTU. Each month our interviews feature guest which include a varied mix of activist from Oregon, the Pacific Northwest and national guest covering various topics. Our overall goal with each segment is “to make labor something you can feel again.”

Our most recent segment featured Dan Torres, the Executive Director of the Oregon Labor Candidate School. Brother Torres can be described as a political operative/organizer/strategist from Portland Oregon. He works in Labor, Democratic, and Progressive advocacy. He has 8 cycles of electoral experience ranging from State Rep races up to the United States Senate. He has worked 6 long sessions in various roles from legislative staff to advocacy and engagement, to lobbying. He has extensive experience in organizing, communications, electoral politics, field, data, training, leadership development, coalition building, collaboration, and political navigation and strives to maintains the program’s apolitical status in preparing future candidate seeking out leadership roles. The mission, vision and values of the Oregon Labor Candidate School are listed accordingly:

MISSION

The mission of the Oregon Labor Candidate School is to train leaders to be successful candidates for elected office. OLCS alumni will champion policies which positively impact all Oregonians, including, living wages, a superb education system, access to quality and affordable healthcare, a secure retirement, and to defend and grow the labor movement in Oregon. Our curriculum includes an equity lens, providing candidates with the tools to make justice-oriented policy decisions.

VISION

The vision of the Oregon Labor Candidate School is to increase the representation of union members in elected office who will champion policies which reflect the values of the labor movement and benefit working people in Oregon.

VALUES

Collective Action * Economic Fairness * Empowerment * Equity * Solidarity * Respect * Democracy * Justice

The 2024 electoral contest is quickly gaining on us. Tune into this segment of ‘HOLLA FOR LABOR’ to examine the rigorous process candidates will face in their bid to draft a successful campaign.

Join us for full segments of labor radio each month:

 KBOO Labor Radio (97.4 FM) at 6 pm the first Monday, of each month. The podcast can be found on https://kboo.fm/media/117754-labor-radio

 KMUZ Community Radio on Willamette Wake Up, the fourth Thursday of each month at 8 am. The podcast can be found on kmuz.org.