Erie County Medical Center Section President Ebony Rose was recently honored for her activism.
BUFFALO — Ebony Rose, section president at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), was recently honored for her activism in the labor movement.
Rose, along with four other Western New York labor and community activists, were recognized for their dedication to the principles of racial, economic, and social justice at The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Living the Legacy luncheon, hosted by the Western New York Area Labor Federation.
Rose, a CSEA member for more than a decade, has made her mark in our union and labor community. During that time, Rose has built strong relationships with not only her colleagues at ECMC, but with leadership and members within the Erie County Local.
“Ebony is the quintessence of an activist,” said Erie County Unit President Bill Wilkinson. “We’ve worked together at ECMC for over a decade and in our time as colleagues and fellow union activists, I’ve been so immensely impressed with how dedicated she is to her membership. I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.”
At the luncheon, several speakers spoke about King’s work. Attendees also spoke about how King’s legacy has lived on, and how his mission advanced through the advocacy of so many activists in and around Buffalo, Rose included.
The foundation of King’s message is solidarity, pulling each other up rather than bringing others down and being one united voice toward change. Those values so strongly relate to the fundamentals of unions and of the labor movement and are personified through members like Rose.
“Ebony Rose not only exemplifies the values of organized labor, but her advocacy for her membership truly advances the mission of MLK,” said Western New York Area Labor Federation President Peter DeJesus Jr. “Since I’ve known Ebony, she’s worked tirelessly to provide equal opportunities for each and every individual in her workplace. She is the epitome of strength, resiliency and morality – core values of both MLK and the labor movement.”
King believed that knowledge is power, something that Rose has applied to her own union work. During her tenure as a member and officer, Rose has been proactive in seizing opportunities for learning and growth such as attending the annual AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference this year.
“I’ve known Ebony for over 10 years through CSEA and she’s been a true example of an activist,” said Western Region President Steve Healy. “She has made such an effort to advocate for her members, from the LEAD program to attending labor classes at Cornell University. She truly cares about every single one of the members.”
“I’m so honored by this recognition,” said Rose. “King’s legacy is profound and to be recognized as one who’s work advances that is incredibly humbling. I am so grateful for my members, colleagues and friends in the union who have supported my development into the best leader I can be. I look forward to continuing to live out his legacy through the labor movement.”
— Madison Ruffo
