“I know the one thing we did right was the day we started to fight, keep your eyes on the prize hold on.”
These poignant words are from a folk song made famous in the award-winning civil rights movement documentary Eyes on the Prize.
“The movement,” as some call it, was reawakened in Spring 2020 following the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. These murders led to mass protests and rally cries of “Black Lives Matter” around the globe.
Recognizing the parallels between social justice and the labor movement, CSEA emerged as an outspoken proponent for justice and equality. Many CSEA members made it their duty to participate in rallies all over the state.
The Civil Rights movement has often intertwined with the labor movement throughout history. Labor union members have stood strong with those fighting for justice and equality, whether in the workplace, in government or communities. Union members believe that labor rights are human rights.
As the struggle for racial justice and equality continues, we not only celebrate Black History, but celebrate progress, including the recent election of Kamala Harris as our nation’s first Black, South Asian and Caribbean woman as U.S. Vice President and the strong role of Black women in the election, including former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, whose efforts to turn out the Black vote were widely credited for the Georgia victories of President Joe Biden and Harris, as well as the state’s first Black U.S. Senator, Raphael Warnock, and U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff.
In honor of Black History Month, The Work Force’s Wendi Bowie, David Galarza, Therese Assalian, Ove Overmyer and Jill Asencio spoke with CSEA activists, including members of CSEA’s Special Committee on Minority Issues, about the members’ thoughts on the state of the current social movement, as well as their thoughts on minorities’ voices in labor.
Stoudemire
“Black culture and unionism are inextricably linked. Observing Black History Month gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of our Black heritage and to put our contributions into some historical context. I really appreciate the fact our union is taking a proactive role in creating a better world for all of us, especially on the job.
More recently, greater attention has been paid to the Black Lives Matter movement, especially since the death of George Floyd in May 2020. I think all this newfound attention given to Black social justice issues is necessary for our society to live up to a higher standard of care and well-being when dealing with one another.”
— James Stoudemire, Buffalo Psychiatric Center Local 1st Vice President
“Black History in America has been scarred by tragedies and in more recent years, celebrated and honored as it should be. This country would not exist without the contributions of African Americans. It seems as though the country has been pulled apart lately. Let’s all take some time this Black History Month to learn about someone new. Appreciate where you come from; there were people before you who struggled so things would be a little easier for you. That will help bring us closer together.”
— Latasha Gardner, Rensselaer County Local Treasurer
“The role of all marginalized people needs to be expanded in the labor movement. There are Black people who have roles in leadership, but it’s not enough to be in the room if you don’t have a seat at the table. Representation has no meaning without inclusion.”
— Yvette Gaynor, Nassau County Local 6th Vice President
“When you look back at history, all Black social justice movements have been met with resistance. In order for things to really change, there have to be policies in place that require it, which means we need for our elected officials to truly represent all of their constituents. It’s sad that my parents, my nieces and nephews and I [three different generations]have all experienced Black people needing to fight for equality and the justification of our humanity.”
— Abraham Johnson, Long Island Developmental Center and Sagamore Children’s Psychiatric Center Local 2nd Vice President
“As part of the labor movement, our fight for economic equality is integral to the civil rights movement. A powerful labor movement can and will improve the racial inequality that exists today. Much like when Dr. King marched for the Memphis sanitation workers, we must fight the racial injustice. It ties into the discrimination and economic divide for Black people.
The labor movement has the power to bring attention to the divide in this country because the union has one common goal and that is equality amongst all. There is no party agenda that forces us to divide. We have the ability to send one clear message that equality, both racial and economic, is the only thing we will settle for and we will fight until we have it.
One of my favorite quotes comes from Dr. King. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” The reason that this quote is so important to me is because when I am being judged because of the color of my skin or I see or hear about racial injustice, I want to lash out. This quote reminds me that countering hate with hate makes me no better. It also gives me the hope and promise that one day, my grandchildren won’t have to go through what we are going through today.”
— CSEA Statewide Secretary Richard Bebo, who also serves as officer liaison to the union’s Special Committee on Minority Issues
“I am inspired by Stacey Abrams, who has demonstrated what real leadership looks like. It became very clear that she is someone to be reckoned with — she is a true role model for all people. Her efforts improving voting reforms in Georgia and all over the United States, especially for working people of color, have given greater visibility to a more diverse and representative government.”
However, I get very little personal satisfaction when new candidates get elected to office regardless of their background—I try to be pragmatic about social change and temper my expectations. One thing I do know [is that]policy makers and union leaders have to do a better job representing the interests of all working people, especially when we are in times of crisis like we are now. Our families are hurting.”
— Paula Love, Roswell Park Memorial Institute Local President
