Maryland State Sen. and Executive Board member of IBEW Local 24, Cory McCray, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his journey from making bad decisions on the streets of Baltimore, to becoming a union man and now a member of the Maryland State Senate. McCray talked about the importance of engaging in politics as a union member and what he’s been able to do as a union man and politician.
Growing up in Baltimore, McCray talked about some of his bad decisions from his younger days that eventually led to his mother introducing him to the building trades. McCray describes it as an opportunity to experience new interests outside of his neighborhood and away from the same people that helped get him in trouble. Originally, he sought out the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Apprenticeship program because of its starting wages. Little did he know then that the pay he hoped to receive would only be a small part of his journey with IBEW Local 24.
At the age of 25, McCray owned his own home and seven rental units while succeeding in graduating from the IBEW apprenticeship program. He’d not only learned a trade in the program, but found a way to make a living and provide a service to his city. He spent the next couple of years working with Local 24 to lead their organizing efforts before being approached by IBEW International to lead their organizing efforts in the region. After seeing the impact his efforts had and the new members he helped join the union, he wanted to give back to his community. This is where he found politics and the importance of union-made legislators.
During his journey, the main takeaway McCray had was that every member of the union is responsible for engaging in local policy. It is the responsibility of those that cross the finish line to help more people find the success they seek. McCray believes he wouldn’t be where he is today without unions and the joint efforts of their engagement in local politics. He left one message for listeners about engaging in politics, “If not you, then who?”
For more information on state Sen, Cory McCray, please visit electcorymccray.com.