Page 6 - Work Force February 2023

Honoring King’s legacy
BALDWIN — The CSEA Nassau County Local recently honored slain civil rights leader The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. at a luncheon that included readings, performance and awards.
Former CSEA Nassau County Local activist and retiree Kelvin Lewis, Nassau County Local 10th Vice President John Aloisio and Nassau County Deputy Executive Anissa Moore were honored for their activism and their dedication to remembering King’s life and legacy.
Guests viewed clips of King’s speeches, heard from guest speakers and saw a performance by a local dance ensemble.
The event was organized by the
Day of Service
project fights
food insecurity
LATHAM — CSEA officers, activists and staff were among the more than 100 union members from around the Capital Region who volunteered at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York as part of the Martin Luther King Day of Service.
The Capital District Area Labor Federation coordinated the volunteer effort with the food bank.
Kara Garbarino, the federation’s field coordinator, noted an overwhelming response to the volunteer event, with all available shifts throughout the day being full.
Volunteers sorted produce, cans, beverages, paper goods, snacks and cereals from large pallets donated by local supermarkets. The items are diverted from landfills and directed to area food pantries.
Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday that is also designated by Congress as a national day of service. Americans are encouraged to perform service in their communities.
— Therese Assalian
local’s Martin Luther King Luncheon Committee.
In addition to his civil rights work, King was a staunch supporter of unions and recognized the connection between civil rights and labor rights.
“Our needs are identical with labor’s needs—decent wages, fair working conditions, livable housing, old age security, health and welfare measures, conditions in which families can grow, have education for their children and respect in the community,” said King at the AFL-CIO’s 1961 convention.
— Wendi Bowie
The Nassau County Local honored those who are continuing The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s work. From left to right, award recipients former CSEA Nassau County Local activist and retiree Kelvin Lewis, Nassau County Deputy Executive Anissa Moore, CSEA Nassau County Local 10th Vice President John Aloisio, CSEA Nassau County Local President Ron Gurrieri and Nassau County Local Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon Committee Chair Audrey Hadden.
From left to right, CSEA Capital Region Executive Vice President Shana Davis, CSEA Capital Region President Ron Briggs, Health Research, Inc. Local member Rob Curry, CSEA Communications Specialist Jill Asencio and her son, Dorian Robertson were among the union members and their families who volunteered at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York as part of the Martin Luther King Day of Service.
Health Research, Inc. Local member Rob Curry helps sort donations.
Volunteering in Central New York
From left to right, Central New York Area Labor Federation President Ann Marie Taliercio and Central Region President Kenny Greenleaf participate in the Martin Luther King Day of Service in downtown Syracuse along with CSEA Central Region activists and other labor union members. (Photo courtesy of the Greater Syracuse Labor Council.)
6 The Work Force
February 2023