Share
Share
By Linda Dent
Vice President SEIU Local 721
Separate schools. Separate drinking fountains. Separate restrooms.
That’s what life was like growing up in Monroe, La., a small town in the Deep South. I knew as a young girl, my voice was too powerful to be silenced. Too many inequalities existed and I needed to do something about it.
At 11 years old, I first marched in a rally with my mother to support making Martin Luther King Jr. Day a federal holiday. King and the civil rights movement taught me about the fight for social and economic justice – a fight I take on everyday as a leader representing working families. Many of you know me from rallies where I am passionately speaking to crowds and sometimes risking arrest.
In February, we celebrate Black History Month to remember the progress we have made as a society and the work that remains to level the playing field. This month honors the lives of historic African-American figures who fought and died so that we can attend school and work side by side with people of all races, colors and nationalities.
It also reminds us that this year we will come together to re-elect President Barack Obama, the first African-American president. We will take on this fight by supporting the election efforts of a president who places people first over corporations and special interests.
Now is the time to work together to protect the rights of working people, refund essential services in California and elect candidates who will promote social and economic justice for all.
Black History month is not about celebrating the past, it’s about using the lessons we’ve learned and the passion of those that came before us to continue the fight for justice.
Join us February 24, 2012 as SEIU Local 721 Celebrates Black History Month.