Report by Lesly L Williams, VP of Publicity and Public Relations and a CBTU Convention partipant
Two years since the last in-person convention of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), well over 800 CBTU members arrived at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles to attend the 51st International Convention from May 25-30, 2022.
The atmosphere was festive as members were greeting one another after such a long hiatus. COVID 19 kept everyone away, isolated, and unfortunately caused significant human losses, pain and suffering. We honor and salute our first responders who provided support and saved countless lives. Strict COVID rules were observed and enforced at the convention to ensure a safe environment to assemble.
The theme of the convention, Power of the Past, Force for the Future, reverberated throughout the workshops and from one speaker after another. The history of this vibrant organization underscores the fact that it is helpful and important to remind members, as stated by the CBTU President, Rev. Terrence L. Melvin, “of the legacy we have laid, but also focus on the work ahead.” He further urged members not to get comfortable.
The first CBTU conference took place on September 23-24, 1972, in Chicago, Illinois. It was based partly on the premise that “those who advocate a position of neutrality or non-involvement in this critical election [the 1972 presidential election] have not seriously taken into consideration our vital interests either as workers or as Black citizens”.
At the founding conference, William “Bill” Lucy, president emeritus and founding member of CBTU, stated that “in view of the key roles we occupy, it is clear that if we are to be total partners in pursuing the objectives of the labor movement. A forum is needed through which our views, needs and aspirations can be projected. Ours is the challenge to organize to have impact on the 1972 presidential election, and to assure that we have a meaningful and effective role in the labor movement, in our communities, and the nation as a whole”.
In order to ensure continued growth of the organization, each attendee at this year's convention was literally deputized to recruit new members, “more activists, new ideas and more power to challenge violent policing in our communities.”
Coincidentally, in line with the theme of the 2022 convention, President Joe Biden, in his message, noted that, “When you endorsed me for President, you said you were not interested in returning to the status quo of deep inequalities in our society; neither was I.”
Pres. Biden added that his administration puts equity at the center of everything they are doing. He also noted some of his administration’s initiatives that have, and will, positively impact the Black community. Other elected officials also promoted the notion of “opportunities for minorities” in order to close the racial wealth gap.
At the “Retirees Conference & Luncheon” on the second day of the Convention, Donald Afflick, co-chair of the event and an Executive Board member of the DC 37 Retirees Association, in his presentation urged retirees to “communicate across the generations.” Other speakers stressed that retirees are well equipped to explain to others, especially the youth, the value of unions, in their efforts to recruit.
The message was unequivocal to encourage young people to get involved, participate, do something -- especially in light of recent unfortunate events, violence in church, schools, supermarket. Another speaker added: Doing what’s right, get involved! Push for changes! Grow the movement! Labor movement, force for progress! The under-40 is identified as a group that is necessary in the labor movement!
As has happened in the past, one of the DC 37 Retirees Association Exec. Board members, Sallie Robertson, a CBTU sergeant-at-arms, was mentioned for her continued support and long hours in maintaining order during the conference. Other DC 37 Retirees Association members who attended the event were Rhonna Bonsu, Carmen Colon, Petrona Graham, and Nellie Gonzalez-Arce. A very productive and informative convention!
