We Are Called to Lead
We are living in turbulent times with the war in the Middle East, the cost of food rising, attacks on our democracy, and protests on college campuses, to name a few. It is during these times real leadership and togetherness are needed.
In less than six months, each of us in the U.S. will have the opportunity to lead and show our members what is at stake in the upcoming U.S. elections. We face electing a fascist to lead America or the most labor-friendly President to continue to lead the United States. It’s not just about the President. It’s also about electing individuals locally, statewide, and nationally who will choose their Country over a Party.
In Canada, there is no federal election in 2024. However, there could be a spark election. The three federal parties are positioning for a spark election. And our Union and members in Canada must be prepared for this and remain involved politically in our support for the New Democratic Party (NDP).
It is during times such as these that real leadership rises to the top, and I am calling on each of you to accept this call to lead, whether it’s with your family, friends, fraternity, sorority, church, synagogue, or Union.
I recently attended the 57th ATU Black Caucus Conference with several hundred Union brothers and sisters from across our Union, May 2-5, 2024, in Maryland. The theme for their convention was “Leading Through Adversity”. We had the honor and privilege of hearing from an esteemed group of speakers who our Union has supported and who have been strong advocates for our members. They included Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Congressman Jamie Raskin, Congressman Kweisi Mfume, and Phyllis Randall Chair at Large of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, whose grandfather was a member of the Pullman Porters Union organized by A. Philip Randolph. The experience was nothing short of inspiring, as we came together to discuss and address the important issues facing our Union and our communities.
Also, please mark your calendars for June 29, 2024, for another opportunity to come together to make your voice heard for change. On this day, the Poor People Campaign, led by Bishop William Barber, will be holding a march in Washington D.C. This event is a powerful call to action, highlighting the stark reality that despite living in the richest country in the history of the world, 800 people die every day due to poverty. Your presence at the “Mass Poor People & Low-Wage Assembly & Moral March on Washington D.C. & to the Polls” would be greatly appreciated.
Each of us can lead in our own way. What we must not do is sit idle and do nothing!