Sisters and Brothers:
As we recognize Black History Month in February, I am reminded that the movement for civil rights and worker rights have always been linked. They are tied together by the concept of social justice, and our labor creed that an injury to one is an injury to all. In our labor movement, we fight for the rights of the downtrodden and underprivileged. We do the same for those who’ve historically been marginalized and been denied privileges, due to the color of their skin.
By recognizing past injustices and standing up for our sisters and brothers of color, we rise up together and fight for what’s right and what’s just. We can all play a role in supporting each other’s struggles to be treated equally and fairly. In our union, we are proud to have statewide Minority Issues and Human Rights Committees, both of which help address issues for marginalized workers. It is essential that we all get active, in whatever way we can, to push for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion for all people of color, and look for opportunities to do so through our union. It will only make us stronger.
And as we just celebrated Martin Luther King Day, I am reminded of how his words at the time of the civil rights movement in the 1960s still resonate today. We see the fight over voting rights happening all over again with so many states trying to limit the rights of minority voters. Proudly, we can point to New York, where laws have been enacted in an attempt to allow everyone the opportunity to exercise their right to vote in all elections! And this only happens with the support of union members throughout the state. We understand and advocate for a more equal society that benefits all and promotes respect for all.
As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s celebrate each other and all that we do every day fighting for civil rights and worker rights. Let’s remember our mission to lift those left behind and less fortunate so that we can have equity and justice for all and a society that honors our diversity.
In Solidarity,
Mary E. Sullivan, President
