Celebrating Diversity in the IBEW
February is black history month, a time to salute labor’s great black leaders. Throughout the month, you will see ads and recognition for a variety of great black Americans who have contributed so much to this nation on TV, in the press, at schools, on social media and more. But Black History Month holds a special place for the labor movement.
So many black labor leaders have made a difference in our fight for justice because our strength lies in our belief in diversity, unity, safety and fairness for all. Some of those great leaders include A Phillip Randoph who in 1925 organized the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first successful black-led labor union.
Other visionary leaders include Issac Myers who founded the Colored Caulkers Trade Union Society in 1866, Bill Lucy, who cofounded the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists in 1972 and the leaders of the Colored National Labor Union, established in 1869 as the first national black labor union at a time when people of color were excluded from the predominantly white National Labor Union.
When the IBEW was founded in 1891, segregation was the law of the land, and black workers were not allowed to join the union as full members. But as the 1800’s came to a close, black workers began to fight back against prejudicial Jim Crow laws that banned them from organizations, jobs, and even buying homes in certain neighborhoods. These new labor unions who were fighting for economic justice and inclusion became a beacon of hope for many of these minority workers.
The IBEW was not immune. It wasn’t until World War 2 that blacks were allowed to join the IBEW as full union electricians. Since then, the IBEW has made significant strides in including minority members into our ranks, but we still have more work to do.
As we celebrate Black History Month, IBEW 11 celebrates the diversity in our ranks, both on the job site and in our union halls. By celebrating a culture of inclusion, we empower our members to have a voice at work and in their communities. We build our movement on the shoulders of those giant leaders who came before us. Together, we continue to build a bigger, stronger and more inclusive labor movement.
Diversity Conference
In celebration of that same diversity, IBEW 11 sent 30 members to attend this year’s Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC) convention in St. Louis last month so they could experience the power of inclusion themselves. You can read more about the empowering EWMC conference on p 1.
I know firsthand what a difference IBEW 11 has made in my own life. That’s why I believe it’s so important for members to learn and understand what the IBEW offers to minority members. I’m very proud that several of our members were elected to leadership position of the national organization. And I’m very proud of the good community work the local does under the leadership of President Alton Wilkerson.
This year I attended the conference and was on a panel along with other business managers from around the country to discuss the value of having a union that reflects the makeup of their own communities. I’m always amazed at how much more progressive California is compared to other states. We have such a diverse community here in Los Angeles and I’m proud it’s reflected in our membership, our Executive Board and our staff.
Of course we have more work to do, but when I hear heartbreaking stories from other regions about the blatant lack of promotions, discrimination and harassment minority members have endured, it makes me realize that the IBEW can be a valuable agent of change and inclusion. We can be the beacon.
It’s also why I think it’s so important to send new members to these conferences. They can bond with their fellow brothers and sisters and experience the camaraderie and family that is the IBEW. Not only do members come away from these experiences enriched, but I believe it also inspires activism and the desire to get more involved in their union. A win win.
So if you’re interested in going to the next conference, get involved in the local EWMC chapter and reach out to us. Because you are the future.
Fire Disasters
While our hearts go out to all the victims of the recent fires, including at least six of our members who lost their homes, and another 10 who were evacuated, I’m proud of how IBEW 11 rose to the occasion. We were there in the immediate aftermath providing both the victims and the first responders with water, hygiene kits, groceries, cleaning, and more. We’ve also set up a hardship fund that people can donate to and members in need can apply to here.
And finally, I want to thank the members of our sister Utility Locals who were the big heroes of our recent fires. A big shout out to our own hometown local, IBEW 18 who had 150 members on the ground, and IBEW 1245 from up north who sent 200 of their members during the fires to help restore electricity, and make sure our city was safe.
Read more about our coverage and all we were able to do to help our members and all the residents of LA as we rebuild our great city.
In Solidarity,
Robert Corona
Business Manager
