Local Activist Takes Top Honor At CBTU Conference

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

Local labor activist Jessie Ball (r) took top honors at the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists' Annual Convention in Detroit last week, winning the Addie Wyatt Award - established by the CBTU National Women's Committee - for "demonstrating leadership skills and using her experience to inspire others to be the very best they can be," reports Metro Washington CBTU President Gwend Johnson. Ball, a staffer at AFSCME Council 20, is an active member of the DC CBTU chapter and helps to mobilize participation in rallies and organize new members in the chapter, while also working with the chapter to coordinate and perform community service work. "If we had more Jessie Balls in CBTU, we wouldn't have to worry about achieving our goals and objectives," said Metro Washington Council President Jos Williams, who also serves on the CBTU's national and local Executive Boards. "I love CBTU," Ball said, "and was not aware that anyone was taking note of the work that I'm doing. I accept the award on behalf of all my sisters in CBTU." This year marked the CBTU's 39th annual international convention.
– photo by Johnny A. Knox