CSEA Metropolitan Region celebrates Black History Month

By David Galarza

From left to right, CSEA Metropolitan Region President Lester Crockett and legendary labor leader William Lucy share their experiences in the labor movement during the region’s Black History Month celebration. Lucy’s many accomplishments include co-founding CBTU, serving as AFSCME International Secretary-Treasurer from 1972 to 2010 and working with The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on efforts to bring justice to striking Memphis, Tenn. Sanitation workers.

MANHATTAN — The CSEA Metropolitan Region Education & Women’s Committees held a labor celebration on February 28 for Black History Month.

The event, which was held at the region office and virtually, honored longtime labor leaders, including legendary AFSCME and CBTU leader William “Bill” Lucy; New York State AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer, CBTU President and longtime CSEA Western Region activist Terrence Melvin and CSEA Executive Assistant to the President and longtime labor activist Sharon Lovelady-Hall.

Participants heard inspiring words from CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan, Metropolitan Region President Lester Crockett and CSEA Metropolitan Region Deputy Director of State Operations Gary Cannonier.

Metropolitan Region Education Committee Chair Felicia McCollough shared an impactful poem, Darcel Jones performed the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and Region II Taxation and Finance Local member Lamaar Johnson spoke about a motivational book he recently published, “You Are More Than Sports or Entertainment.”

— David Galarza