Page 4 - Work Force February 2025

President Mary E. Sullivan in touch with
Wor k Force
Honoring Black history by strengthening
our union
BRYAN MILLER
Wor k Force ISSN 1522-1091
Official publication of
CSEA Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO 143 Washington Ave. Albany, NY 12210-2303
Mary E. Sullivan, President
Director of Communications and Publisher
MATHEW L. CANTORE
Deputy Director of Communications
JANICE GAVIN
Editor
JASON D. HOSIER
Graphic Production Specialist
SAGE POHLMANN
Graphic Production Specialist
BOBBY COMPANI
Digital Content Coordinator
JOELLE LUCENTE
Communications Assistant
Communications Specialists:
Long Island Region:
WENDI BOWIE
(631) 462-0030
Metropolitan Region:
DAVID GALARZA
(212) 406-2156
Southern Region:
JESSICA LADLEE
(845) 831-1000
Capital Region:
THERESE ASSALIAN
(518) 782-4400
Central Region:
NICHOLAS NEWCOMB
(315) 728-3375
Western Region:
SYDNEY THOMAS
(716) 691-6555
Headquarters:
JILL ASENCIO
(518) 257-1276
The Publications Committee:
Chris Vogel, Chair Karen Bright
Tim Finnigan
Kathleen Rider Marnie Rounds John Wagner
The Work Force (USPS 0445-010)
is published monthly by
The CSEA Publication Office:
143 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210. Periodical Mail Postage paid at
Post Office, Albany, New York 12288, and additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Send address changes to: CSEA, Attn: Membership Department, 143 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210
Readers: Send any comments, complaints, suggestions or ideas to: Publisher, The Work Force
143 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12210-2303
cseany.org
4 The Work Force
February 2025
The
DCSEA Family,
uring the month of February, CSEA honors and celebrates Black History Month. It is a time to reflect on the incredible contributions of Black Americans to our nation’s history, culture and progress. It is also a time to recommit to the principles of equity, justice, and unity, which are at the core of both the labor movement and the struggle for civil rights.
Black history and the labor movement are deeply intertwined with the fight for social justice. There are many examples of Black leaders who remind us that the fight for fair wages, safe working conditions and dignity on the job is inseparable from the broader struggle for racial equality.
There are many Black labor leaders. Please take the time to do some research
to learn more about these union leaders and their contributions, including Addie Wyatt with United Packinghouse Workers of America; A. Philip Randolph and C.L. Dellums’ work with the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters; Dorothy Lee Bolden, founder of the National Domestic Workers Union of America and many in CSEA know very well the contributions of AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus William “Bill” Lucy, who also co-founded the Coalition
of Black Trade Unionists and passed away in the past year. The courage and vision
of these individuals shaped the labor movement and remind us of the power of
solidarity in overcoming injustice.
CSEA members need to carry forward
this proud legacy. Our strength as a union comes from our ability to stand together, recognizing that an injury to one is an injury to all. Black History Month offers an important opportunity to reflect on how inequities negatively affect our workplaces and our communities and to take action. Whether advocating for fair contracts, equitable policies, or diverse leadership within our union, we have a role to play in building a better workplace and union for all members.
As union members, we must confront racial and social injustices wherever they exist by building a union that respects all voices. Not only do we honor the legacy of those who came before us but also strengthen our union and ensure its strength for future members.
Our collective power as a union lies in our unity, diversity, and commitment to justice. Let us continue to stand shoulder to shoulder, strengthening equity and fairness for all.
In Solidarity,
Mary E. Sullivan, President