AFL-CIO Blog

  • Black History Month Profiles: Desirae Beatty
    Black History Month Profiles: Desirae Beatty This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Desirae Beatty of the United Steelworkers (USW). Desirae Beatty is a new but mighty member of the United Steelworkers (USW) and has worked to bring solidarity to her local, which represents workers at four Allegheny County (Pennsylvania)-run assisted living and senior facilities. She's been a certified nursing assistant for 17 years and is the epitome of what we look for in labor activists. “We have shown the county and Kane that we can organize and move as one, and we are ready for a positive change," she said. Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/28/2023 - 10:00 Tags: Black History Month — Feb 28
  • Black History Month Profiles: E. Faye Butler
    Black History Month Profiles: E. Faye Butler This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is E. Faye Butler of Actors' Equity Association (AEA). A member of Actors’ Equity Association since 1986, E. Faye Butler has made union activism an important part of her lasting career. Since joining Equity, Butler has been a member of the national council as well as several policy-driven committees, including the production committee, which oversees the Broadway contract. She was a founding co-chair of Equity’s Equal Employment Opportunity Committee, and as a current member of the touring committee, she is at the bargaining table right now negotiating for a new contract. Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/27/2023 - 10:00 Tags: Black History Month — Feb 27
  • Black History Month Profiles: Dewanda Mitchell
    Black History Month Profiles: Dewanda Mitchell This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Dewanda Mitchell of AFGE. AFGE's Dewanda Mitchell is a retired 20-year Army veteran who served as a military police and correctional officer. She joined the Department of Veterans Affairs where she became the first African American chief of police for the VA Outpatient Clinic Downtown L.A. in 1993. She has spent three decades working and advocating for workers, veterans and cancer survivors. She recently received the doctorate degree in humanitarianism from the Global International Alliance Advocate University. She also received the “I Am A Superwoman” Award from the British Parliament. She is a two-time cancer survivor and currently serves as the president of the Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Greater California, where she helps host annual 5K walk/runs, luncheons, and other events to help raise funds and awareness. Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 02/26/2023 - 10:01 Tags: Black History Month — Feb 26
  • Black History Month Profiles: Derrick McDonald II
    Black History Month Profiles: Derrick McDonald II This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Derrick McDonald II of the Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU). Derrick McDonald II is a shop steward with OPEIU Local 153 who works at Advantage Care Physicians. Through the power of his union, McDonald advocates for his co-workers and his community. A skilled organizer, McDonald also currently serves on his union’s bargaining team. “We’re still fighting the same fight Dr. King was fighting,” he said. “For equal pay, equal protection under the law, a right to be heard and a seat at the table.” Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 02/25/2023 - 10:01 Tags: Black History Month — Feb 25
  • Black History Month Profiles: Linda Hunt
    Black History Month Profiles: Linda Hunt This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Linda Hunt of UNITE HERE’s Culinary Union. Linda Hunt is a food server and an active member of UNITE HERE's Culinary Union (Local 226) for the past 42 years. In 2022, she took a leave of absence during the 2022 elections to help elect leaders who would champion issues important to working people: “We aren’t going to give up. We will keep fighting every day. We vote. We win!” Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/24/2023 - 10:15 Tags: Black History Month — Feb 24