Democratic Party (Mich.)

Joseph Basso Papers

abarker — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:19:47 -0400

A member of the Detroit and Wayne County Federation of Labor, and later the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, Joseph Basso founded the City and County Public Service Employees Association, which later became the Public Employees Union. Active in community affairs and Democratic politics, Mr. Basso conducted campaigns for Frank Murphy and George Murphy, and also worked in civil defense during World Ward II. His papers reflect his involvement in the careers of Frank and George Murphy, his interest in post WW II foreign affairs, and his work as a member of Detroit and Wayne County Federation of Labor and the AFL-CIO.

Helen W. Berthelot Papers

abarker — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:03:58 -0400

Helen Berthelot was active in the formation of the National Federation of Telephone Workers in Michigan and subsequently the Communication Workers of America. Ms. Berthelot was active in Michigan Democratic politics. Ms. Berth paper relate to her activities in the NFTW and the CWA and, to a lesser degree, her service to the Michigan Democratic Party.

Ernest C. and Jessie M. Dillard Papers

abarker — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:58:58 -0400

An active member of United Auto Workers Local 15, Ernest Dillard was the first African American elected to a succession of UAW leadership posts. Jessie Dillard was one of Detroit’s leading block club organizers and civil rights activists. Both Mr. and Ms. Dillard played prominent roles in the Detroit NAACP and held leadership positions in the Michigan Democratic Party.

Part I of the papers of Ernest and Jessie Dillard reflect the broad range of their professional and political activities in the labor and civil rights movements.

The papers in Part II consist of correspondence,reports, clippings, speeches, publications and other material related to their labor, political and publishing activities.

Peter Eckstein Papers

drice — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 17:35:27 -0400

Peter Eckstein has been involved with labor unions in the state of Michigan since the 1960s. Eckstein served as the research director for Michigan UAW-CAP; executive director of the Governor’s Commission on Jobs and Economic Development, where he drafted several important pieces of worker’s compensation legislation; and finally as research director of the Michigan AFL-CIO. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Economics and earned his Ph.D. in economics from Harvard. Mr. Eckstein also taught economics at several universities and worked on the political campaigns of Carl Levin, Jennifer Granholm and Howard Wolpe. Eckstein retired in 1999 but is still active in various political causes in
Michigan.

The material in this collection documents Eckstein’s time serving on different government committees, such as those relating to unemployment and worker’s compensation legislation. There is also some material related to his time working for UAW-CAP and on local, state, and national elections. Some of the folder headings were created by Eckstein and contain abbreviations such as WC for worker’s compensation, UC for unemployment commission or VC for venture capital. These abbreviations have been spelled out in full in the finding aid.

Sam Fishman Papers

drice — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:40:58 -0400

Sam Fishman was born January 24, 1924 and spent the majority of his adult life involved with the labor movement in Michigan. He was originally an assembler and machinist for the Ford Motor Company and eventually became an official in UAW Local 400. He later was elected Vice-President of UAW Local 99 and then President of UAW Local 36 at the Ford Assembly Plant. Fishman would go on to serve as head of the UAW Community Action Program (CAP) for 12 years until his election as president of the Michigan State AFL-CIO in 1983. Fishman was heavily involved with the Democratic Party and was a dominant figure in not only Michigan, but also national politics during the late 1970s and 1980s. Fishman passed away in 1987.

The materials in the collection represent Fishman’s time in the UAW and AFL-CIO. There are also materials related to the Democratic Party in local, state and national elections. The bulk of the materials range from 1980 to 1984, when Fishman headed the UAW CAP and the MI AFL-CIO, and correspond to the 1980, 1982 and 1984 elections. Additionally there are materials related to Fishman’s interests in the Social Democrats and Israel.

Clemens Forsen Papers

abarker — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:15:08 -0400

A member of United Auto Workers Local 155, Clemens Forsen served on Local 155’s Executive Board and helped charter the Local 155 Credit Union, serving as Vice-President of the Local 155 Credit Union Board of Directors. Mr. Forsen’s papers reflect his work as a labor activist and in various Michigan Democratic Party organizations.

Robert J. Greene Papers

drice — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:13:29 -0500

Robert Greene was active in Michigan politics and a national advocate for Jewish interests. His papers reflect his forty years as a political activist, taken from his manuscript, "Sidebars."

Robert G. Hodges Papers

abarker — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:39:21 -0400

Active in Michigan democratic politics, Robert Hodges served on the 1959 Democratic State Central Committee and as a delegate to the 1962 Michigan Constitutional Convention. Mr. Hodges’ papers document the events of the Constitutional Convention.

Mildred Jeffrey Papers

drice — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:19:31 -0500

Mildred "Millie" Jeffrey worked as an organizer for the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, as Educational Director of the Pennsylvania Joint Board of Shirt Workers, as a consultant to the War Labor Board, as Director of the United Auto Workers (UAW) Women’s Bureau, and as Director for UAW Community Relations and Consumer Affairs Departments. Ms. Jeffrey was also active in the Democratic Party and was a founding member and chair of the National Organization of Women’s (NOW) political arm, the National Women’s Political Caucus.

Part 1 of Ms. Jeffrey’s papers document her extensive work for women’s rights and the labor movement and reflect her commitment to social justice. Part 2 primarily documents the last 30 years of her life during which Jeffrey became an activist in the many social and political movements of the time, including women’s rights, civil rights, reproductive rights and peace.

Garland Lane Papers

drice — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:25:44 -0500

Garland Lane was a Michigan Democratic State Senator representing Genesee County, where he was an important part of the Appropriations Committee. His papers reflect his Senate activities.

Arthur F. Lederle Papers

drice — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:40:37 -0500

Arthur Lederle taught in Detroit Public Schools before entering a legal career, culminating in his tenure as Judge of the Federal District Court for Eastern Michigan. He continued to be involved with education throughout his career. His papers reflect his position in Democratic Party affairs, his interest in court administration and civil procedure, the major case over which he presided and his educational activities.

Michael W. Kerwin Papers

srafferty — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 14:17:13 -0400

Mike Kerwin moved to Detroit in 1950 and began work at American Metal Products Co. which led to his membership with the UAW Local 174. Mike Kerwin also served as an Editor of the Local 174 newsletter, Union Voice. After 3 years in this position and becoming increasingly involved in Local 174’s Education Committee, Kerwin began working directly for the UAW as a Technician in the Education Department. Kerwin worked in the UAW Education Department until his retirement, creating educational programs for union members. Kerwin’s work with the UAW, as well as his own interests, led him to be very active in a number of Detroit and Michigan area groups related to the Democratic Party, Detroit Public Schools, Catholic faith, and labor. Among his many accomplishments, Kerwin helped found the Michigan Labor History Society in 1977 where he remained an active member until his passing on July 19, 2021.

Robert Millender Papers

drice — Mon, 07 Oct 2013 11:32:09 -0400

Robert Millender (1916-1978) was an influential attorney, political strategist, and campaign manager in Detroit, most notable for his efforts to establish political power for African Americans in the city throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He began his legal and political career in the mid-1950s as a labor attorney, including appointments to the Workers Compensation Board and the Trade Unions Leadership Council. In the early 1960s, Millender and George Crockett, Jr. began working toward the goal of electing African Americans to prominent political offices in Detroit. In the process, Millender established himself as an instrumental force in the elections of many of Detroit's first generation of successful African American politicians by serving as campaign manager for notable politicians including Congressional Representative John Conyers, Michigan Secretary of State Richard Austin, Detroit City Council Members Robert Tindal and Erma Henderson, and Detroit Mayor Coleman Young.

The Robert Millender Papers document Millender's legal and political activities from 1963-1978, including his work as a campaign manager for numerous Detroit politicians and as an attorney active in issues related to labor activism and African American political
representation. Comprised of mostly paper records, including correspondence, memos,
speeches, meeting minutes, and promotional materials demonstrating Millender's influence on and dedication to the candidacies of African American politicians in the City of Detroit in addition to his activities as an attorney and political activist outside of his work as a campaign manager. The collection also containssome photographs and memorabilia.

Prince Moon Papers

abarker — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:36:02 -0400

As a member of United Auto Workers Local 22, Prince Moon served as an Executive Board member of the Wayne County American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Nations (AFL-CIO). Mr. Moon served on the staff of the Institute of Labor and Industrial Relations of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, as Educational Representative of UAW Region 1E, and as Assistant Director of the Black Lake UAW Family Education Center. As an active member of the Michigan Democratic Party, Mr. Moon served as Treasurer of the 14th Congressional District and as District Chairman of the Northern Michigan 11th congressional District. Mr. Moon's papers reflect his work with the UAW, and to a lesser degree, his involvement in the Michigan Democratic Party.

William Palmer Papers

drice — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:43:44 -0500

William Palmer was active in Michigan politics, serving three consecutive terms as a state senator of the thirteenth district. His papers reflect his time in office.

Paul Parker Papers

drice — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:07:38 -0500

Paul Parker worked for the Flint, MI Chevrolet Division of General Motors for forty-one years. During that time he served the United Auto Workers in several capacities and was active in local and state Democratic politics. His papers primarily reflect his activities in the Michigan House of Representatives.

James G. Pyrros Papers

drice — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:10:32 -0500

James Pyrros had an active career in local, state, and national Democratic politics. He worked on many state congressional campaigns and staffs, for the Detroit Housing Commission, and in the Michigan attorney general's office. His papers reflect his political endeavors and document Michigan Democratic Party politic as well as state and national elections.

Ann Shafer Papers

drice — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:53:10 -0500

Ann Shafer has lobbied in support of women's issues, including equal pay, sex and employment discrimination, reproductive freedom, and pregnancy disability benefits throughout her career. She began working in 1946 for W.K. Kellogg Company and was active in the American Federation of Grainmillers, retiring in 1983. She has been involved with the Michigan Democratic Party politics, co-founded a chapter of the National Organization of Women (NOW), and was one of the founding members of the Coalition of Labor Union Women. Ann Shafer's papers reflect her experiences with women in the labor movement, civil rights, politics, and women's rights.

Joseph Snyder Papers

drice — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:59:20 -0500

Joseph Snyder worked for the United Auto Workers as International Representative of St. Clair Shores District, MI, local auditor and negotiator, and Constitutional Delegate from Macomb County, MI. He was also involved in local, county, and Michigan politics, most notably serving three consecutive terms in the Michigan House of Representatives. His papers reflect his latter UAW career as well as his involvement in politics.

Marc Stepp Papers

drice — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:47:49 -0500

Stepp worked for nineteen years at the Chrysler Highland Park plant and advanced through positions of union leadership from shop committeeman, chief steward and vice president of Local 490 to the Chrysler-UAW National Negotiating Committee. In 1967 he was appointed international representative with Region 1B, was elevated to assistant regional director in 1973 and in 1974 was elected International Vice President, assuming Nelson Jack Edwards' spot on the union's International Executive Board.

He was active in numerous community and civil rights organizations and in Democratic Party politics, running unsuccessfully for a seat on the all-white Detroit Common Council in 1965. Marc Stepp retired from the UAW in 1988.

The Marc Stepp Collection consists primarily of his speeches as UAW International Vice President. Subjects include: affirmative action; black Shriners; impact of economic recession on black workers; impact of Reagan administration policies on black workers; plant closings; South Africa; U.S. industrial policy

Patricia M. Thornton Papers

srafferty — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 13:47:00 -0500

Pat Thornton was a precinct delegate for the 17th District in Michigan. In early 1966, she, along with John Weiss (University of Michigan Professor), Otto Feinstein (Wayne State University Professor), and Mary Davis (Precinct Delegate) helped form the Council for Democratic Action. Their purpose was to organize together to influence public policy. Membership grew and on March 15, 1967, became the Liberal Conference of 17th District Democrats. The Liberal Conference worked to influence policy on racism, war, and poverty within the Democratic Party, as well as encourage other liberals to become more involved in the Democratic Party.

Materials in this collection include meeting agendas, newsletters, membership lists, and other related documents of the Liberal Conference of the 17th District Democrats from 1967-1976.

UAW President's Office: Douglas Fraser Records

drice — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:31:47 -0400

Douglas A. Fraser was elected UAW President in 1977 following the retirement of Leonard Woodcock. As UAW President Fraser presided over the emergence of Japanese auto imports into the previously US dominated auto industry, growing concerns over air quality, worker safety issues, and job re-training. In 1981 Fraser successfully reunited the UAW with the AFL-CIO after a 13 year absence. Fraser was also instrumental in assisting Chrysler Motor Company’s federal bailout loan to avoid the company’s bankruptcy and the loss of thousands of auto workers’ jobs in 1979. In recognition of his commitment to the success of both US auto companies and workers, in 1980 Fraser was the first union member to be elected to the Chrysler Board of Directors. Fraser retired from the UAW in 1983, succeeded by Owen Bieber, to begin his second career as Professor of Labor Studies at Wayne State University. Douglas Fraser died on February 23, 2008.

The collection is divided into two parts. Part 1 includes subjects such as Chrysler Corporation; UAW Regions 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D; Canadian autoworkers; Detroit economic development; foreign automobile industry; Democratic Party politics; plant closings; air pollution; contract negotiations; strikes; SUB; Progressive Alliance; Walter Reuther; and early retirement.

Part 2 represents subject files and International Executive Board files not represented in Office of the President Part 1. The subject files provide information regarding the UAW’s interaction with Chrysler Motor Coporation during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, and detailed information related to the Chrysler Federal Loan Bailout. The International Executive Board Files provide insight into the interaction between the UAW Office of the President and the International Executive Board of the union.

John F. Williams Papers

abarker — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:25:25 -0400

A member of the Pipe Fitters Local Union No. 636, John F. Williams served as president of the Midwest Building Trades Council, as president of the Detroit Building Trades Council Executive Board, and held various positions within the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). Mr. Williams was active in Michigan state Democratic politics and served in various civic organizations, such as the Wayne County Civic League and the Mayor’s Citizen’s Advisory Committee on Police Procedures.
Mr. Williams’ papers reflect his work in the labor movement and, to a lesser degree, his activities in the Democratic Party.

Coleman Young Papers

drice — Thu, 27 May 2010 16:14:06 -0400

With a background in labor activities and civil rights, Coleman Young captured a Michigan State Senate seat in 1964, representing an east side Detroit district, and rose quickly to leadership posts in the Lansing legislature. Michigan Democrats elected him in 1968 to become the first black member ever to serve on the Democratic National Committee. In 1973, pledging to restore peace between the people and police of Detroit, Coleman Young announced as a candidate for Mayor of Detroit. He defeated the City's former police chief, John Nichols, in a bitter election contest in January 1974 and was re-elected in 1977,
1981, 1985 and 1989. He was one of the first African-Americans to be elected mayor of
a major U.S. city and served a total of twenty years. He was considered by many of his
constituents as a champion of the disadvantaged and disenfranchised. During Young’s
mayoral years, the city of Detroit faced numerous economic, political and social
challenges.

The papers in Part I of this collection reflect the years of Young's state senatorial service. The materials in Part II of this collection represent a portion of Coleman A. Young’s
correspondence and other documents from his tenure as mayor of Detroit, 1973-1993.

(11758) Portrait, G. Mennen Williams, Los Angeles, California, 1960

eclemens — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:02:47 -0400

Close-up of G. Mennen “Soapy” Williams holding a “Michigan” sign with a bow tie on top; his other hand is raised; a crowd is partially visible in the background, Los Angeles, California.

Photographer’s caption: “G. MENNEN (SOAPY) WILLIAMS, 1960. The governor of Michigan holds the Michigan sign topped by his trademark bow tie at the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles. Soapy Williams was governor for six two-year terms, 1948 to 1960. During the presidency of John F. Kennedy, he was assistant secretary of state for African affairs. Later, he was elected chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. He died in 1988, just short of his 77th birthday.”

(27935) DNC Mid-Term Conference

jruss — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:48:16 -0500

Dignitaries sit on a panel on “Making Government Work Better” at the 1982 Democratic National Convention (DNC) “Mid-term Conference” in Philadelphia. From left: Willard McQuire, president of the National Education Association (NEA); William Lucy, secretary-treasurer of AFSCME; Madeline Kunin, democratic candidate for governor of Vermont; and Senator Carl Levin of Michigan.