Apartheid

AFSCME Communications Department Records

jruss — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:06:22 -0400

AFSCME has produced a regularly published magazine since its inception. Publication duties for this organ and other materials were accomplished by the Education and Publications Department for the first twenty years of AFSCME’s existence. The 1954 Convention, however, passed Resolution 14, establishing a Publications and Public Relations Department. This new department would continue to publish the AFSCME magazine and other materials and would also take on new media public relations duties both at headquarters, and importantly, in the field. Recognizing that current field staff’s duties did not include crafting AFSCME’s message during organizing campaigns and strikes, it was hoped that the new department would provide skilled public relations professionals on the ground. The new department was created on April 1, 1956. The Publications and Public Relations Department existed until 1971 when the name was changed to the Public Affairs Department. This existed until 2011 when the name was changed again to the Communications Department.

The AFSCME Communications Department Records document the public activities of the Department, AFSCME International, and AFSCME officials. Records include speech transcripts; press releases; surveys and polls; documents related to AFSCME biennial conventions such as transcripts of proceedings, correspondence, and planning documents; correspondence; publications; meeting minutes; clippings; photographs, slides, and negatives; audio and video recordings; and posters.

AFSCME Office of the Secretary-Treasurer: William Lucy Records

jruss — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:21:25 -0400

The AFSCME Office of the Secretary-Treasurer oversees the general financial health of the international union, keeping records for its locals, councils, and the headquarters staff. The Office keeps files on council and local trusteeships, maintains per capita dues payments by locals and councils, issues charters to new locals, and suspends and disbands locals or councils when problems arise. William Lucy held this position for 38 years, 1972-2010.

Lucy joined AFSCME as a civil engineer in Contra Costa, CA in 1956. A decade later, he was working for the International in Washington, D.C. Proving his leadership abilities during the 1968 sanitation workers strike in Memphis, during which Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated, Lucy became AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer in 1972. Alongside his work with AFSCME, Lucy also served with countless labor, civil rights, and civic organizations to advance causes for blacks, women, and workers locally in Washington, D.C., nationally, and internationally. Lucy helped found the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) in 1972 to represent African Americans in the labor movement. He was instrumental in the Free South Africa Movement's efforts to end apartheid in South Africa. He served as president of Public Services International (PSI) and as a member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council. These activities are reflected in the Records. Lucy retired from the position of Secretary-Treasurer in July 2010 at the AFSCME biennial convention.

The AFSCME Office of the Secretary-Treasurer: William Lucy Records document the activities and operations of AFSCME International, the Office of the Secretary-Treasurer, and AFSCME’s state and local councils. The Records also convey the actions of William Lucy in a number of labor and civil rights organizations, including TransAfrica, the NAACP, CBTU, PSI, and the AFL-CIO. The Records include correspondence, reports, speeches, financial information, legal documents, convention transcripts and proceedings, publications, and meeting minutes. Several boxes of audio recordings of International Executive Board meetings are included, and a very small number of photographs appear in the collection.

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.

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists

cdavis — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 09:24:10 -0400

At the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) International Convention, held in St. Louis, Missouri, May 23-28, 2012, the CBTU membership voted in Terrance (Terry) Melvin as its new President. Terry Melvin is the second president in CBTU’s 40 year history. William (Bill) Lucy had been CBTU president since the organization’s founding in 1972. Lucy also served for 38 years as the Secretary-Treasurer of AFSCME before retiring in 2010. read more »

(3194) Demonstrations, Shell Oil, 1973

eclemens — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:33:21 -0400

Police officers survey a peaceful demonstration against Shell Oil by United Farm Workers (UFW) supporters, location unknown.

(7481) Anti-Apartheid protest arrest

jruss — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:32:26 -0400

AFSCME President Gerald McEntee (left), Yolanda King (daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr.), and Mayor Richard Hatcher (right) of Gary, Indiana sing “We Shall Overcome” as they are arrested protesting outside the South African Embassy on November 29, 1984, as part of the Free South Africa Movement's campaign against Apartheid.

(7531) Free South Africa Movement march

jruss — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:13:42 -0400

On August 12, 1985, the Free South Africa Movement, of which AFSCME’s Bill Lucy was a leader, organized this symbolic funeral march after the Apartheid government in South Africa banned public funerals. The march took place in Washington, D.C., and the protesters objected to the Reagan Administration’s policy of constructive engagement with South Africa. Pictured here, left to right, are actor Paul Newman, AFSCME President Gerald McEntee, National Education Association President Mary Futrell, AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy, and Gary, Indiana Mayor Richard Hatcher.

(7534) Mandela arrives, 1990 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:24:59 -0400

In June 1990, just after Nelson Mandela was released from prison, members of the Free South Africa Movement, a collaboration of various civil rights groups in the U.S. arranged an American tour for the Africa National Congress President. One of his stops included an address of the AFSCME International Convention in Miami, Florida. Here, Mandela and his then wife, Winnie, arrive in Miami.

(7536) Mandela arrives, 1990 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:29:48 -0400

AFSCME International President Gerald McEntee (shaking Mandela's hand) and AFSCME International Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy (left, with back to camera) greet Nelson Mandela as he arrives to address the 1990 AFSCME International Convention.

(7537) Mandela speaks, 1990 AFSCME Convention

jruss — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:33:07 -0400

AFSCME International Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy chats with Nelson and Winnie Mandela before Nelson Mandela addresses the 1990 AFSCME International Convention.

(11476) Owen Bieber, Marc Stepp, Arrests, South African Embassy, Washington, DC

eclemens — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:40:14 -0400

Owen Bieber, president of the United Auto Workers (UAW), and Marc Stepp are arrested during an anti-apartheid demonstration outside of the South African Embassy, Washington, DC.

(11477) Tutu, Bieber, Robinson, Shell Boycott, Washington DC, 1986

eclemens — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:23:17 -0400

UAW president Owen Bieber and TransAfrica president Randall Robinson, flanked by other labor and civil right leaders, urge support for the boycott of Shell products at a Washington DC news conference held in January 1986.

(11478) Tutu, Bieber, Yarrow, Travers, Washington DC, 1986

eclemens — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:18:37 -0400

Left to right: Randall Robinson, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Peter Yarrow, and Mary Travers participate in an anti-apartheid demonstration during their visit to Washington, DC. Travers and Yarrow are two of the three members of the musical group Peter, Paul, and Mary.

(11479) Demonstration, Shell Boycott, Detroit, Michigan

eclemens — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:20:47 -0400

UAW members stationed outside of a Shell gas station urge onlookers to boycott Shell gasoline during an anti-apartheid demonstration, Detroit, Michigan.

(11483) Desmond Tutu, Owen Bieber, Demonstration, Washington DC, 1986

eclemens — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:13:53 -0400

Bishop Desmond Tutu and UAW president Owen Bieber share words while participating in an anti-apartheid in Washington, DC.

(11734) Free South Africa Movement

jruss — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:53:57 -0500

Labor leaders march against South African apartheid in Washington, D.C. as part of the Free South Africa movement. From left: AFSCME President Gerald McEntee, NEA President Mary Futrell, AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy, Gary, Indiana Mayor Richard Hatcher.

(11740) Anti-Apartheid Rally

jruss — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:54:40 -0500

AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy (middle left in sunglasses) and Jesse Jackson (in front of podium at right) join many other demonstrators in a 1985 rally against South African Apartheid in Washington, D.C.

(11741) Letter to Bishop Tutu

jruss — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:04:04 -0500

AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy signs a letter to South Africa’s Bishop Desmond Tutu, supporting the end of apartheid.

(11749) Shell Oil Boycott

jruss — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:16:19 -0500

AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer urges a Houston audience to boycott Shell Oil for the company’s investment in South Africa during apartheid.

(11988) Mandela at AFSCME Convention

jruss — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:29:22 -0400

South Africa’s Nelson Mandela spoke at AFSCME’s 1990 Convention in Miami. AFSCME president Gerald McEntee (left) and Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy (right) join Nelson and Winnie Mandela on stage.

(11989) Mandela at AFSCME Convention

jruss — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:35:42 -0400

AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer speaks with Nelson Mandela who was addressing the 1990 AFSCME Convention in Miami.

(11990) Mandela at AFSCME Convention

jruss — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:44:17 -0400

Nelson Mandela speaks at the 1990 AFSCME Convention in Miami shortly after his release from prison in South Africa. AFSCME President Gerald McEntee (left) and Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy cheer him on.

(11991) Mandela at AFSCME Convention

jruss — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:48:37 -0400

(11992) Mandela at AFSCME Convention

jruss — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:51:57 -0400

Nelson Mandela speaks at the 1990 AFSCME Convention in Miami shortly after his release from prison in South Africa.

(11993) Mandela at AFSCME Convention

jruss — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:56:55 -0400

AFSCME President Gerald McEntee (left) and Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy (right) welcome Nelson and Winnie Mandela to the 1990 AFSCME Convention in Miami.

(12102) McEntee against apartheid

jruss — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:53:02 -0400

Coretta Scott King listens as AFSCME President Gerald McEntee speaks at a rally against apartheid outside of the South African embassy in Washington, D.C. McEntee was among many protesters later arrested for their demonstrations. This image appeared in the February 1985 issue of AFSCME's Public Employee magazine.

(12108) Divestment

jruss — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:09:36 -0400

AFSCME President Gerald McEntee encourages U.S. companies to divest from South Africa to protest apartheid at a rally in Washington, D.C.

(12111) AFSCME against apartheid

jruss — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:34:49 -0400

AFSCME leaders march in protest against apartheid in February 1985 in Washington D.C. They are President Gerald McEntee (center); Donald McKee (left with sign); James Glass, Michigan (far left); Edward Keller, Pennsylvania (partially hidden); and Maynard White, Southwestern (right). This image appeared in the February 1985 issue of AFSCME's Public Employee magazine.

(28331) CLUW; Apartheid protests

drice — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:22:36 -0400

A large CLUW delegation join anti-apartheid protests at the South African embassy in Washington D.C.

(29232) John Sweeney, Demonstration at South African Embassy, Washington, D.C., 1985

aorchard — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:51:38 -0400

John Sweeney speaks at a demonstration against apartheid at the South African Embassy in Washington, D.C. as other demonstrators look on.

(29233) John Sweeney, South African Embassy Demonstrations, Washington, D.C., 1985

aorchard — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:51:38 -0400

Close-up of John Sweeney holding up a sign supporting black unions in South Africa at a protest at the South African Embassy in Washington, D.C.

(29234) CLUW, Anti-Apartheid Demonstration, Washington, D.C.

aorchard — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:51:38 -0400

CLUW Members protest against South African apartheid, at the South African Embassy in Washington, D.C.

(29235) Demonstrators, South African Embassy, Washington, D.C., 1985

aorchard — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:51:38 -0400

Demonstrators protest outside of the South African Embassy in Washington, D.C.

(30851) South African Consulate Demonstration, Los Angeles, California, 1984

aorchard — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 16:10:17 -0500

John Sweeney addresses the crowd at a demonstration outside the South African Consulate in Los Angeles, California.

(30852) South African Embassy Demonstration, Washington, D.C., 1985

aorchard — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 16:10:17 -0500

John Sweeney speaks at a demonstration outside the South African Embassy in Washington, D.C.

(30853) John Sweeney Arrest, South African Embassy Demonstration, Washington, D.C., 1985

aorchard — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 16:10:17 -0500

John Sweeney being arrested outside of the South African Embassy in Washington, D.C. during a demonstration.

(30854) South African Consulate Demonstration, Washington, D.C. 1984

aorchard — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 16:10:17 -0500

Demonstrators outside the South African consulate in Washington, D.C.

(30855) SEIU Day, South African Embassy, 1985

aorchard — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 16:10:17 -0500

John Sweeney alongside other demonstrators during SEIU Day at the South African Embassy.

(30856) Service Employees Against Apartheid, Washington, D.C., 1985