Area Residents Rebuild Their Communities

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

Larae King-Day’s message to his fellow graduates of the Building Futures Program was simple, direct and powerful: “Get out, give back and rebuild our communities.” King-Day, a lifelong Ward 8 resident, was the valedictorian for Tuesday’s class of 25 graduates of the General Services Administration-funded program, which is administered by the Metro Council’s Community Services Agency. "Yes, we can.  Yes, we will!" added Katia McCranny, a graduate of a previous class, who inspired a standing ovation from the new graduates with her story of how the program helped her land a job, get a raise and buy a car. Metro Council President Jos Williams congratulated the graduates on their achievement, encouraging them to “re-enter the workforce, join the labor movement and count on our support.” Building Futures participants graduate with OSHA 10 and CPR/First Aid certifications, blueprint reading, construction math, tool identification and “hands-on experience that prepares them to obtain good union jobs with livable wages and benefits to support their families and rebuild their communities,” added CSA Executive Director Kathleen McKirchy. - report/photo by Sylvia Casaro; photo: graduate Paula Clinton (l), Program Coordinator Tony Johnson and CSA Executive Director Kathleen McKirchy