Human rights

Action Coalition of Strikers Records

drice — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:09:15 -0500

The Action Coalition of Strikers (ACOS) was a rank-and-file group of strikers and their families who were active during the Detroit Newspaper Strike. Representing reporters, editors, pressmen, and truck drivers, the coalition opposed the newspaper union leadership and their proposed back-to-work offer and instead pressed forward with a campaign to fight to restore all lost jobs. They sponsored peaceful and disciplined mass demonstrations in support of the strikers, and published the weekly Detroit Sunday Journal from 1995-1999, selling copies throughout metro Detroit. They sought to win the broader labor movement’s participation in their struggle, and did enjoy continued support from other local and regional labor unions.

The records document the coalition’s activities from 1994-2001. Particular focus is given to the strikers' fight against replacement workers in an effort to bring economic, political and moral pressure on the newspaper companies (Gannett and Knight-Ridder) involved in the labor dispute. The records document ACOS strike participation through correspondence, court rulings, evidence of strikers' activities, publications, news clippings, and visual materials such as buttons, stickers, posters, and photographs.

ALPA Atlanta, Georgia Field Office Records

mstepaniak — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:30:44 -0400

Records of the office representing the interests of ALPA in the Atlanta, Georgia area. These records contain information on airline mergers, air traffic controllers strike, and skyjacking. Some of the material found are technical reports of a variety of subjects. Of particular interest are records relating to significant changes in aircraft passenger compartment design. Material documenting ALPA's role in human rights protests can also be found here.

Wilbur and Mary Alice Baldinger Papers

abarker — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:54:25 -0400

Mary Alice Baldinger served as executive director of the National Civil Liberties Clearing House from 1949 to 1971. Wilbur Baldinger worked as a reporter, as editor of The Guild Reporter from 1941 to 1944, and as director of publications for the U.S. Conference of Mayors from 1961 to1971.

The papers of Wilbur & Mary Alice Baldinger document their careers and reflect their efforts to promote civil liberties and human rights.

Olive R. Beasley Papers

jruss — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:49:00 -0400

Olive R. Beasley led a career devoted to improving human and civil rights for minority groups. She served as secretary and later as executive director of the Michigan Committee on Civil Rights and was a member of the Fair Employment Practices Commission. She continued to serve its successor, the Michigan Civil Rights Commission as executive director of the Flint office. She also held numerous posts in labor and community organizations in Detroit and Flint including president of AFSCME Local 52, Detroit area; vice-president of AFSCME Council 7, Michigan; executive board member, Michigan AFL-CIO; and secretary of the Detroit League of Women Voters. In 1972 she received the Governor's Award for Distinguished Public Service Employees.

The papers reflect Mrs. Beasley's career with Michigan agencies and organizations concerned with civil rights and, to a lesser degree, her involvement with labor unions and Michigan politics.

Detroit Commission on Community Relations (DCCR) / Human Rights Department Photographs and Other Material

drice — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 16:35:46 -0500

The Commission on Community Relations evolved from the City of Detroit Mayor's Interracial Committee in 1953 and was renamed in 1974 as the Human Rights Department. All three iterations served a common purpose: to make recommendations to improve governmental services affecting racial relations, and to promote understanding between the races.

Collection consists of photographs documenting its efforts to overcome racial discrimination and improve race relations in the Detroit metropolitan area and ephemera related to the “March to Freedom” civil rights demonstration held in Detroit on June 23, 1963.

Al Fishman Papers

abarker — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 16:16:12 -0400

Alvin Fishman was born in Los Angeles, Nov. 28, 1927, but he was raised in New York and graduated from Stuyvesant High School. He was drafted and served in Italy during World War II. After the war, he moved to Ann Arbor, MI to attend the University of Michigan and study architecture. During this time he became involved in politics. Fishman left the university prior to graduation to move to Detroit and work as a tool and die machinist in an auto plant for the next thirteen years. He married Margaret Radulavich in 1951; they had two children, Marcia and Daniel. As an adult, he returned to college to complete his education in mathematics at Wayne State University. He also pursued a Master of Public Adminstration from Wayne State in the 1970s. He made a living programming computer systems for the Detroit Police Department.

Al Fishman and his wife, Margaret, were activists for peace and justice. Al was a long time leader of Peace Action of Michigan, serving as co-chair and representative on the national board of directors. He joined in the 1980s when the group was called the SANE/Freeze, working on the Nuclear Freeze Campaign. He was also involved with the New Jewish Agenda, Detroit Area Peace with Justice Network, Committees of Correspondence for Democracy and Socialism, and Democratic Socialists of America.

Part 1 of Mr. Fishman’s papers reflect his activities as state chairperson for the New Democratic Coalition of Michigan (NDCM) and his involvement in various Detroit-area political organizations and the anti-Vietnam War movement.

Part 2 of the collection documents the Fishman’s activism in the city of Detroit and their participation in various peace, justice and human rights groups, such as New Jewish Agenda, Peace Action of Michigan and Detroit Area Peace with Justice Network groups. Materials from Margaret Fishman’s involvement in the group Women’s Conference of Concerns are included. The collection also contains some materials from Al Fishman’s work with the Detroit Police Department, the City Charter Revision Commission, and his unsuccessful bids for city office.

Douglas A. Fraser Papers

drice — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:51:15 -0400

Douglas A. Fraser retired as UAW President in 1983 and began his professorial career at Wayne State University Labor Studies Department. As professor of Labor Studies at WSU, Fraser engaged workers, students, corporate professionals, and educators in discussion forums focusing on issues in labor and the urban environment. In recognition of his contribution to the field of Labor Studies WSU opened the Douglas A. Fraser Center for Workplace Issues in 1997. Fraser continued his involvement with the UAW into his retirement, attending union meetings, presenting at UAW conventions, and retirement dinners. Fraser also maintained an extensive resume of public appearances and speeches nationwide. Fraser addressed House and Senate Committees on topics ranging from health care, labor law, and human rights. Fraser also held multiple Presidential Appointments including the President’s Advisory Committee to Japan. Locally within Detroit Fraser served on the Detroit Economic Growth Committee, the Economic Club of Detroit, New Detroit, and the United Foundation of Detroit. Fraser partnered with management, co-chairing with Lee Iacocca the Michigan Governor’s Commission on Jobs & Economic Development. Pairing again with management to achieve workers rights Fraser co-chaired the Health Security Action Council with Ford Motor Company’s Peter Pestillo. Extending his influence beyond Detroit Fraser held visiting professorships at Harvard University, University of Oregon, and the University of Michigan.

This collection demonstrates Douglas Fraser's civic and academic involvement following his tenure as President of the UAW. This collection provides insight into the personal relationships Doug Fraser maintained and developed in his role as a university professor.This collection also contains information regarding the multiple roles Doug Fraser held on national and local councils and committees.

Samuel Krieger Papers

drice — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:56:03 -0500

Samuel Krieger was a member and recruiter for the Industrial Workers of the World and worked for the International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers and International Brotherhoold of Teamsters. His papers mainly reflect his interest in human rights and his activities during his retirement.

League for Mutual Aid Records

drice — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:39:19 -0500

The League for Mutual Aid was a national organization founded with the goal of helping workers and others in personal emergencies. They provided personal and group loans, legal advice, employment and housing aid, and medical referrals. Their records reflect daily operations, including fund-raising and loan-granting activities, until their liquidation and absorption by the Human Rights Fund of the Workers' Defense League.

Wade H. McCree, Jr. Papers

drice — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 13:55:18 -0500

Wade Hampton McCree, Jr. began his career as a lawyer in the Detroit law firm of Harold E. Bledsoe and Hobart Taylor. He later served on the state’s Workmen’s Compensation Commission and as a judge in the county and U.S. court system. During his tenure on the bench, McCree took part in a number of school desegregation cases iand as the government’s lawyer, he argued a number of significant cases before the Supreme Court. He resigned in 1977 to accept appointment as U.S. Solicitor General in the Carter administration. In the last few years of his life, McCree taught law at the University of Michigan, and consulted on various cases and served as Special Master for the U.S. Supreme Court in cases in which it exercised original jurisdiction. Judge McCree’s professional, educational, civic and charitable activities were many and he was the recipient of numerous honors and awards.

His papers contain his personal and professional correspondence, speeches and writings, voluminous case files, including his notes and opinions, meeting minutes, publications and other material relating to his service on the bench and as the federal government’s chief lawyer as well as his work on professional committees and his involvement with a wide range of civic, fraternal and charitable organizations.

Nancy vom Steeg Papers

kschmeling — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 12:34:26 -0400

Nancy vom Steeg was a Detroit activist during the 1960s through the 1980s. Though Poletown might have been the more well-known issue of the time, Nancy was a part of several movements, such as food coops, environmentalism, women and religion, and consumer protection.

Rolland R. O'Hare Papers

drice — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:47:10 -0500

Rolland R. O'Hare was a practicing attorney affiliated with both the local Detroit chapter and national American Civil Liberties Union. His papers reflect primarily his activities on behalf of the national organization.

Organization in Solidarity with Central America Records

drice — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:19:04 -0400

Formed through the merging of several Detroit and Michigan groups, the OSCA educated the public on Central American issues, particularly the human rights violations in El Salvador in the 1980s. Their papers represent the activities and writings of the Latin American solidarity movement.

Albert Sayer Papers

pneirink — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:41:07 -0400

Mr. Sayer, a New York teacher, served as vice-president of the New York Teachers Guild in 1950. He left the Guild to help form Local 378 of the CIO, a N.Y. teachers' union which disbanded in 1954. Later Sayer aided in obtaining an AFL-CIO charter for the United Federation of Teachers and served this organization in several capacities. Mr. Sayer also served as member and chairman of the New York State chapter of Americans for Democratic Action. In the summer of 1964, he and his wife Florence went to Mississippi to assist black children in their fight for civil rights. The material appears in the form of correspondence, notes, booklets, proceedings, clippings, press releases, party platforms, reports, and papers. Subjects include the Constitution of the State of New York; growth of unions; formation of the United Federation of Teachers; the educational budget of New York City; civil liberties; and human rights. Correspondents include Robert M. Haig, William Jansen, Arthur Levitt, Frederick C. McLaughlin, Joyce Martin, Milton Murray, George S. Reuther, Jr., Walter Reuther, and Leo Weitz.

SEIU International Affairs Records

aorchard — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 10:30:15 -0500

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) was founded in 1921 as a union of flat janitors. Over the years it has grown in size and scope, now comprising three divisions: healthcare, property services, and public services. While most of SEIU’s members reside in the United States, the SEIU is an international union with members and affiliates in countries all over the world. The records of SEIU’s International Affairs Department document the SEIU’s relationships with companies, unions, organizations, and labor activists in other countries, as well as detail departmental operations. Document formats found within the records primarily include correspondence, meeting minutes and agenda, booklets, and reports.

Wayne State University Women's Resource Center Records

cwesterman — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:33:34 -0500

The Women's Resource Center (WRC) at Wayne State University, originally founded as the Women's Center in 1976, was created in response to a report from the President's Commission on the Status of Women. It provided referral services, child care services, and resource information to students and staff and supported women re-entering school. The Center existed largely for women on campus to find support, information, and advice and it routinely arranged seminars, workshops, and support groups for this purpose. In the 1980s, the Center was absorbed into University Counseling Services, Student Affairs Division, and later on incorporated the Minority Resource Center. Kay Hartley served as Director throughout the years of the Center's operation, until it closed in 2001.

The records of the Women's Resource Center document its origins and subsequent administration and services to the university and the Detroit Metro area. The records of Kay Hartley are included. Materials reflect the efforts of the WRC to attract and retain women of all ages and backgrounds to higher education, as well as the changing status of women in society, and the issues they faced.

Collection Spotlight: Robert F. Kennedy and the UFW

teller — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:42:21 -0400

U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy strongly supported the advance of human rights and in doing so he forged a relationship in the 1960s with the United Farm Workers, a union that sought to improve the lives and working conditions of migrant farm workers across the country. Kennedy supported the workers during a 1966 Senate Subcommittee on Migratory Labor hearing in Delano, California. In the spring of 1968, read more »

Collection Spotlight: Wade McCree's contribution to Detroit and the nation

ljones — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 09:37:16 -0500

The Walter P. Reuther Library continues to celebrate Black History Month by highlighting the life of Wade McCree and his papers.

In his work as a judge, appointed official, and educator coupled with his sense of civic responsibility, Wade Hampton McCree, Jr. made a unique contribution to the Detroit metropolitan area and beyond. His success in these areas are noteworthy by themselves, but even more so given the barriers to success experienced by African Americans read more »

Eleanor Josaitis — Hands Across the Racial Divide

wlefevre — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:32:36 -0400

As a symbol, it is exquisite in its simplicity. Two hands inside a circle, one black and one white, almost but never quite touching across the racial divide. This has been the logo of Focus: HOPE, an organization fighting for basic human rights in Detroit and Southeast Michigan for over forty years. And until her death last week, one of the leaders of the fight was Eleanor Josaitis. read more »

Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr.

jruss — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:25:59 -0400

“It is a crime to live in this rich nation and receive starvation wages.”–Martin Luther King, Jr.

At the beginning of 1968, working conditions for sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee, especially African Americans, were atrocious. Employees were given no benefits, no vacation pay, no pensions; forty percent qualified for welfare, and many worked second jobs. During bad weather, black workers were sent home without pay, while white workers collected a full day’s wages. The Memphis Sanitation Department refused to modernize the equipment used by black workers. read more »

Subject Focus: African American History at the Reuther Library

wlefevre — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:19:12 -0500

The Reuther Library celebrates African American History Month with a look at some of the significant collections housed in the library that deal with African American history.

A gem from Rosa Parks’s collection is a set of her hand written notes from her time at the Highlander Folk School in 1955, shortly before the Montgomery Bus Boycott. These notes showcase her read more »

(11560) Labor Institute on Human Rights

jruss — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:54:02 -0400

Labor leaders chat between sessions at the 1962 Labor Institute on Human Rights in Boston. From left: Stephen E. McCloskey, secretary-treasurer of the Boston Central Labor Union; Emil Mazey, secretary-treasurer of the UAW; AFSCME President Arnold Zander; Joseph Cass, education director of the Massachusetts State CIO; and Julius Bernstein, executive secretary of the Labor Committee to Combat Intolerance.

(27793) Benjamin Hooks Receiving AFT's Annual Human Rights Award

jhelpap — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:14:48 -0500

Albert Shanker presenting the AFT's annual Human Rights award to NAACP executive director Benjamin Hooks

(32776) World peace conference

gstrassel — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 16:39:38 -0500

World peace-themed conference possibly put on by the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom’s Detroit branch in the 1960s.

Rosa Parks is pictured talking to a WILPF Detroit branch member in front of the WILPF booth. It is unclear in what capacity Parks was attending the event, whether she was helming a booth or there just as an attendee.

Labor Feminism in the Federated Press, 1930s through 1950s

teller — Fri, 09 Aug 2019 15:15:21 -0400

Dr. Victoria Grieve shares the lives of five pioneering female journalists of the Federated Press, a labor news service operating in the early and mid-20th century. In addition to their work for the Federated Press, Julia Ruuttila, Jessie Lloyd O’Connor, Virginia Gardner, and Miriam Kolkin also participated in leftist social and political movements, forming an important network that linked labor journalism with labor feminism and other political issues. read more »

Podcast: Speak to the Earth and it Shall Teach Thee: Catholic Nuns, the United Farm Workers Movement, and the Rise of an Environmental Ethic, 1962-1978

teller — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 15:25:22 -0400

John Buchkoski explores the role that religious women had in grassroots social activism in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly organizations of Catholic women religious. He explains how these groups supported United Farm Worker strikes by publicizing the environmental and health effects of pesticide use and popularizing produce boycotts across Catholic communities. Buchkoski is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Oklahoma. read more »

[Podcast] The Carter Presidency and Gay Rights

teller — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 15:14:33 -0500

Dr. Harris Dousemetzis shares the extraordinary impact of U.S. President Jimmy Carter on gay rights in the 1970s and early 1980s, from instituting policies to prevent anti-gay discrimination of most federal employees to facilitating IRS nonprofit status for gay rights organizations and community centers, enabling them to receive federal funding for educational materials and health clinics, among other things. read more »

Peace and Freedom

kchinery — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:37:29 -0400

Processed

WILPF Detroit Branch Newsletters

kchinery — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:39:23 -0400

Processed

WILPF Proceedings

kchinery — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:32:47 -0400

Processed. Conventions 9-10, 12-16, 18, 25.

WILPF Publications

kchinery — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:29:30 -0400

Processed. Titles: Building Peace, 1993-1996; Pax et Libertas, 1988-1994; Pax et Libertas/International Peace Update, 1995-1996; Program & Legislative Action, 1988-1996.

AFT 61st Annual Convention

jruss — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:47:09 -0500

Al Shanker hits on a few major topics in this speech. He begins by talking about the success AFT and the labor movement had in organizing to help Jimmy Carter win the presidency. He mentions the meetings he has had with the new administration that give him hope for funding and enforcement of educational issues and laws like the 1973 Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) and Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 which deals with improving the academic achievement of the disadvantaged. read more »