Page 8 - Work Force February 2021

CSEA celebrates Black History Month amid progress and struggles
“Iknow the one thing we did right was the day we started
to fight, keep your eyes on the prize hold on.”
These poignant words are from
a folk song made famous in the award-winning civil rights movement documentary Eyes on the Prize.
“The movement,” as some call it, was reawakened in Spring 2020 following the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. These murders led to mass protests and rally cries of “Black Lives Matter” around the globe.
Recognizing the parallels between social justice and the labor movement, CSEA emerged as an outspoken proponent for justice and equality. Many CSEA members made it their duty to participate in rallies all over the state.
The Civil Rights movement has often intertwined with the labor movement throughout history. Labor union members have stood strong with those fighting for justice and equality, whether in the workplace, in government or communities. Union members believe that labor
rights are human rights.
As the struggle for racial justice
and equality continues, we not only celebrate Black History, but celebrate progress, including the recent election of Kamala Harris as our nation’s first Black, South Asian and Caribbean woman
as U.S. Vice President and the
strong role of Black women in the election, including former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, whose efforts to turn out the Black vote were widely credited for the Georgia victories of President
Joe Biden and Harris, as well as
the state’s first Black U.S. Senator, Raphael Warnock, and U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff.
In honor of Black History
Month, The Work Force’s Wendi Bowie, David Galarza, Therese Assalian, Ove Overmyer and Jill Asencio spoke with CSEA activists, including members of CSEA’s Special Committee on Minority Issues, about the members’ thoughts on the state of the current social movement, as well as their thoughts on minorities’ voices in labor.
necessary for our society to live up to a hig”
well-being when dealing with one another.
— James Stoudemire, Buffalo Psychiatric Center Local 1st Vice President
“The role of all marginalized people needs to be expanded in the labor movement. There are Black people who have roles in leadership, but it’s not enough to be in the room if you don’t have a seat at the table. Re”presentation has no meaning without inclusion.
— Yvette Gaynor, Nassau County Local 6th Vice President
“Black culture and unionism are inextricably linked. Observing Black History Month gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of our Black heritage and to put our contributions into some historical context. I really appreciate the fact our union is taking a proactive role in creating a better world for all of us, especially on the job.
More recently, greater attention has been
paid to the Black Lives Matter movement,
especially since the death of George Floyd in May 2020. I think all this newfound attention given to Black social justice issues is
“Black History in America has been scarred by tragedies and in more recent years, celebrated and honored as it should be. This country
would not exist without the contributions of African Americans. It seems as though the
country has been pulled apart lately. Let’s all take some time this Black History Month to
learn about someone new. Appreciate where you come from; there were people before
you who struggled so things w”ould be a little easier for you. That will help bring us closer together.
— Latasha Gardner, Rensselaer County Local Treasurer
“When you look back at history, all Black social justice movements have been met with resistance. In order for things to really change,
there have to be policies in place that require it, which means we need for our elected officials
to truly represent all of their constituents. It’s sad that my parents, my nieces and nephews
and I [three different generations] have all experienced Black people needing to fight
for equalit”y and the justification of our humanity.
— Abraham Johnson, Long Island Developmental Center and Sagamore Children’s Psychiatric Center Local 2nd Vice President
8 The Work Force
February 2021
her standard of care and