BMWE Diversity Committee Joins MLK, Jr. Celebration

Keeping the Dream Alive

In Greensboro, North Carolina more than 700 union activists, including almost a dozen from the BMWE, celebrated the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by marching for justice, rallying for voter rights, taking part in workshops and serving the community. As part of the annual AFL-CIO King Day celebration Jan. 11-15, union members focused on the need to boost voter participation among minorities and the poor.

Plenary sessions were held on Thursday evening Jan. 11 and Friday morning Jan. 12. Friday afternoon workshops attended by BMWE Diversity Committee members included Building Tolerance — Fighting Hate; Building Relationships and Working Together — Coalitions, Partners and Allies; Implications of Reapportionment & Redistricting; and Privatizing Prisons — How We Should Respond. After the workshops BMWE members joined in picketing the site in Greensboro where United Health Care is building a new office with non-union contractors.

From the BMWE, left to right, Jasper Brar, Eddie Posas, Tim McCall, Ramiro Ramirez, Herman Dixon.

Following individual group meetings on Saturday morning Jan. 13, the unionists also followed King's spirit of service as volunteers painted and repaired a Head Start center, distributed more than $20,000 in clothes, food and paper goods to charitable groups and met with homeless families at a shelter. An awards dinner and dance in commemoration of the 72nd birthday of Dr. King was held on Saturday evening.

BMWE Diversity Committee, Jan. 13, 2001, left to right, seated, Tim McCall, Grand Lodge Advisor, Mac A. Fleming, Grand Lodge President, Ramiro Ramirez, AT&SF Federation, Anthony Rochon, Pennsylvania Federation, standing, Eddie Posas, Jr., Southern Pacific Atlantic Federation, Herman Dixon, Missouri Pacific System Federation, Jasper Brar, Western System Federation, Frank Coleman, Allied Eastern Federation. Gilles Beauregard, Canadian System Federation and Joel Myron, Grand Lodge Advisor, were unable to attend.

Left to right, standing, Herman Dixon, Tim McCall, Linda Chavez-Thompson, AFL-CIO Executive Vice President, Susan Creswell, Grand Lodge Advisor, Eddie Posas, Ramiro Ramirez, seated, Mrs. Dixon, Mrs. Coleman, Frank Coleman, Megan Rochon, daughter of Anthony Rochon, Jasper Brar, Mrs. Ramirez.

On Sunday Jan. 14 AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson brought the union message to the congregation, overflowing with guests from around the country, at Greensboro's Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. In the afternoon many enjoyed the Gospelfest held in St. James Baptist Church.

Following an early memorial breakfast in Dr. King's honor on Jan. 15, — A Day On ... Not a Day Off. Remember! Celebrate! Act! — a parade through downtown Greensboro and a rally capped off the five-day celebration. AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka told the crowd that the rights of thousands of voters were denied in Florida during the 2000 election, just as African American voters were denied their rights in the South during King's lifetime. "We can follow King's legacy today," Trumka said, "by supporting campaign reform and election reform so that no American will have his vote stolen or denied."

Not Legit: Bush Presidency. Justice Won't Quit.

BMWE Diversity Committee Members with AFL-CIO Secretary- Treasurer Richard Trumka and Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson.

As Transport Workers chanted "Keep The" BMWE marchers responded with "Dream Alive" along the three-mile parade route.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968

Martin Luther King, Jr. Audiotapes

Dr. King, recognized worldwide as "one of earth's greatest heroes and one of heaven's greatest saints," spoke in Greensboro on Feb. 11, 1958 at the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel on the campus of Bennett College. He was 29 years old and was eloquent as he outlined the challenges and opportunities that loomed ahead in the non-violent struggle for justice. His one-hour address, titled Room in the Inn is available in audiotape format from Miss Wanda Davis, Bennett College Public Relations Department, 336-517-2267. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Bennett College Scholarship Fund.

For a collection of Dr. King's greatest sermons in audiotape format, you can ask for A Knock at Midnight through Time Warner audiobooks from Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Borders Books & Music, or your favorite local bookstore. You'll save time by asking for the specific ISBN number: 1-57042-572-8.

Dr. King's I Have A Dream speech is available in both audio and video format through the gift shop at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change, 449 Auburn Ave., Atlanta, Georgia 30312. You may also order via the web: www.thekingcenter.org. Proceeds from these sales will benefit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center.