In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the President of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), Terry Melvin, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the history of the CBTU and the impact of Dr. King’s teachings. Melvin discussed the labor movement's responsibility to educate the public on the presidential election and motivate them to vote. Finally, Melvin discussed the upcoming 53rd International Convention for Black Trade Unionists.
Melvin said that his life is guided by the work and efforts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Melvin talked about the different ways he has utilized quotes from King’s speeches. He talked about the work done by CBTU President Emeritus Bill Lucy with King and how that work assisted in the founding principles of the organization. Melvin discussed the importance of learning and educating the public on the teachings of King and the different ways those teachings could be applied today.
Democracy is on the ballot this year, in Melvin’s opinion. He discussed different attacks that have threatened the United State’s Democratic processes. Melvin said this has been the most pro-labor administration and most impactful for black communities. He discussed his opinions on different Presidential candidates and why it’s important for organized labor to get out into their communities and educate citizens.
The largest gathering of black trade workers in the United States will occur in May 2024 in Houston. The 53rd International Convention for Black Trade Unionists will host nearly 1,300 trade unionists from the United States, Canada and Africa. With last year’s success in Labor, the CBTU experienced similar success, and they want to share their success with their members. Workshops and town halls will feature several black leaders in the labor movement. According to Melvin, the convention will provide members with the tools to educate and motivate their communities to get out and vote.
Listen to the show to learn more about the CBTU and Dr. King’s impact on the organization and its leaders.
America’s Work Force is the only daily labor podcast in the US and has been on the air since 1993, supplying listeners with useful, relevant input into their daily lives through fact-finding features, in-depth interviews, informative news segments and practical consumer reports. America’s Work Force is committed to providing an accessible venue in which America's workers and their families can hear discussion on important, relevant topics such as employment, healthcare, legislative action, labor-management relations, corporate practices, finances, local and national politics, consumer reports and labor issues.
America’s Work Force Union Podcast is brought to you in part by our sponsors: AFL-CIO, American Federation of Government Employees, American Federation of Musicians Local 4, American Alliance for Manufacturing, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, Communication Workers of America, International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers, International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 50, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Crafts, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 6, Ironworkers Great Lakes District Council, The Labor Citizen newspaper, Laborers International Union of The National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield, North America, North Coast Area Labor Federation, Ohio Federation of Teachers, Survey and Ballot Systems, United Labor Agency, United Steelworkers.
