From left to right, University at Albany Local 1st Vice President Dean Ellis, Niagara Department of Transportation Local President Jimmy Jones and Westchester County Local and Unit President Hattie Adams, far right, discuss our union’s work with attendees at the annual Legislative Conference in Albany.
ALBANY — CSEA officers and activists played active roles at the recent 52nd Annual Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Conference, where attendance was back to pre-pandemic levels.
Union members from across the state participated in numerous workshops and events that are aimed at advancing racial, social and economic justice.
CSEA’s delegation at the conference included officers, activists, staff and retirees from across the state.
CSEA attendees also staffed an information booth at the Legislative Office Building at which members met with attendees.
Metropolitan DDSO Local President Evans Quamina proudly displays his support for State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli following his remarks during the Labor Luncheon.
“This weekend means that you gain so much knowledge and information on many of the different legislative bills and the language that’s used by our state legislators to argue for or against a particular measure,” said Metropolitan DDSO Local President Evans Quamina. “Caucus weekend also presents us with a great opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with our elected officials so they can listen to our issues as constituents and union members.”
Participants also attended a labor luncheon, where they heard from New York State AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Terry Melvin, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, State Sen. Jessica Ramos and Assemblymember Latoya Joyner, who chair their respective chamber’s Labor Committees.
From left to right, Pilgrim Psychiatric Center Local President Arnold Jones and SUNY Downstate Local President Jonathan Brown enjoy one of the many conference activities.
“Everyone plays a role in the achievement of our major goals as a labor movement,” said SUNY Downstate Local President Jonathan Brown, who added that he was inspired by the luncheon speakers. “We must do it in unity and work hard at elevating each other during the process.”
More than a dozen workshops were held with experts and policymakers on key issues ranging from diversity in civil service and public safety to addressing the mental health, education and housing needs in Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.
“This conference promotes a strong spirt of solidarity and fosters an each one, teach one environment,” said Pilgrim Psychiatric Center Local President Arnold Jones. “It created an inspirational vibe that I hope more members get to experience at future conferences.”
— David Galarza
From left to right, Niagara Department of Transportation Local President Jimmy Jones, Metropolitan Region President Lester Crockett, Metropolitan DDSO Local President Evans Quamina, Roswell Park Memorial Institute Local President Paula Love, Southern Region activist Joyce Howard, University at Albany Local 1st Vice President Dean Ellis, SUNY Downstate Local President Jonathan Brown, CSEA Executive Vice President Denise Berkley, Capital Region President Ron Briggs, Capital Region Executive Vice President Shana Davis and SUNY Upstate Medical University Local President Ali Cottrell show their love for our union during the annual Legislative Conference in Albany.
