Williams Witnesses Passing of the Torch at CBTU Convention

Friday, June 7, 2013

Williams Witnesses Passing of the Torch at CBTU Convention(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Metro Washington Council President Jos Williams (left) joined 1,000 delegates at the recent Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) convention in Orlando, Florida. Williams, a CBTU trustee, was a panelist in the international affairs discussion, which dealt with organizing campaigns and labor rights in other parts of the world. This year’s CBTU convention was closely watched by leaders and activists in labor and civil rights organizations, because it was the first one with Rev. Terry Melvin at the helm. He succeeded his mentor Dr. William (Bill) Lucy, the most revered black trade unionist since the legendary A. Philip Randolph. Lucy, whose CBTU title is now president emeritus, was a co-founder of CBTU and had been its first and only president since 1972. “We must blend digital age talent with old school wisdom to compete on the new battlefields, as we re-boot CBTU to get bigger and better and more connected with our labor and community allies,” said Melvin, who is also secretary-treasurer of the New York State AFL-CIO. Melvin said CBTU will continue to be “a reliable voice for progressive change within the labor movement and a key player in mobilizing African American voters on the national and local level.” Convention delegates passed dozens of resolutions on issues including immigration reform, voter suppression tactics, jobs, implementing the new health care law, stopping the drop-out crisis in the black community and supporting the commemoration of the 50th anniversary March on Washington. - report/photos by Dwight Kirk

 

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