Page 9 - Work Force February 2021

“As part of the labor movement, our fight for economic equality is integral to the civil rights movement. A powerful labor movement can and will improve the racial inequality that exists today. Much like when Dr. King marched for
the Memphis sanitation workers, we must fight the racial injustice. It ties into the discrimination and economic divide for Black people.
The labor movement has the power to bring
attention to the divide in this country because the
union has one common goal and that is equality
amongst all. There is no party agenda that forces us to divide. We have the ability to send one clear message that equality, both racial and economic, is the only thing we will settle for and we will fight until we have it.
“I am inspired by Stacey Abrams, who has demonstrated what real leadership looks like. It became very clear that
she is someone to be reckoned with — she is a true role model for all people. Her efforts improving voting reforms
in Georgia and all over the United States, especially for working people of color, have given greater visibility to a more diverse and representative government.”
However, I get very little personal satisfaction when new candidates get elected to office regardless of their background—I try to be pragmatic about social change and temper my expectations. One thing I do know [is that] policy makers and union leaders have to do a better job representing the interests of all working people, especially when we are in times of crisis like we are now. Our families are hurting.
— Paula Love, Roswell Park Memorial Institute Local President
One of my favorite quotes comes from Dr. King. “Darkness cannot drive
out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” The reason that this quote is so important to me is because when I
am being judged because of the color of my skin or I see or hear about racial injustice, I want to lash out. This quote reminds me that countering hate with hate makes me no better. It also gives me the hope and promise that one day”
— CSEA Statewide Secretary Richard Bebo, who also serves as officer liaison to the union’s Special Committee on Minority Issues
”
, my grandchildren won’t have to go through what we are going through today.
Activist reflects on Harris’ election
BRONX — On Inauguration
Day, Evelyn Rosa heard the sound of glass shattering and it wasn’t on the pavement of her beloved New York City.
For Rosa, an
office assistant
at the state
Division of Parole and member of the CSEA Special Committee on Minority Issues, that glass was coming from the multiple glass ceilings that were being broken by the election of Kamala Harris, the nation’s first Black, South Asian and Caribbean woman and daughter
of immigrants, as the nation’s Vice President.
“For a Puerto Rican woman like me who lives in the Bronx to see another Puerto Rican from the Bronx, U.S. Supreme Court Justice
Sonia Sotomayor swear in Vice President Kamala Harris is such a big deal,” Rosa said. “We now can believe that we can get to the same place and be equal because we have some representation.”
With Black History Month just days away, the occasion marked
a prescient kick-off for a month highlighting the culture, history and vast contributions made by African Americans. As a member of CSEA’s Special Committee on Minority Issues, Rosa said it’s a moment to reflect, but also to continue pushing forward.
“In order for you to believe that you can do something, you have to see it,” said Rosa. “With the election of Vice President Harris, we can
see it. It’s not only about hope and faith.”
As a second-generation CSEA member, (her mother worked for Parole and Corrections), Rosa also recognized that while it’s
important for people of color to have role models in high places, it’s equally important for historically underrepresented groups to gain access to stable, good paying, union-represented civil service jobs.
“There are a lot of people who are essential workers and they don’t have good health care,” said Rosa. “They also can’t take days off because they need to support their families.”
It’s one reason why Black and Brown communities are suffering disproportionately from the pandemic. As a union, Rosa said, we need to do more to show
the community what we do so they can support our efforts and recognize the need to join a union themselves.
“It’s important for us to get involved,” said Rosa. “We speak to our members, but we don’t speak to the community. We need to let
them see themselves in our work and mission.”
Rosa, who serves as vice president of the CSEA Division
of Parole, credits CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan for providing her with many of the leadership tools and the knowledge she obtained through the union’s Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Program. She also sang the praises of her Local President, Barbara Felder, who is a leader in her community as well as our union.
While the pandemic has hampered the ability to coordinate programs in person, Rosa said
she is working with others on her committee and regional activists to program several virtual events including one for Black History Month.
“I really want us to get a to place where we are really equal,” Rosa
Rosa
said.
— David Galarza
February 2021
The Work Force 9