Anti-apartheid movements

Ruthven (Rudy) Simons Papers

aorchard — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 15:21:03 -0400

Ruthven (Rudy) Simons is an activist for human rights. He was a vice president of the Cranbrook Peace Foundation, a board member of the Michigan Coalition for Human Rights, a founder of the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies at Wayne State University, and a member of delegations to Iraq, Iran, Haiti, China, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Israel, and Palestine. As a result of his passion for human rights, he was a recipient of the Center Peacemaker Award from the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies at Wayne State University, and of the Founder’s Award from the Michigan Coalition for Human Rights.

Simons has rallied for causes such as South African apartheid, ending U.S. intervention in Central America, Haiti, Iraq, and Iran, women’s rights, and civil rights. Moreover, he has participated in numerous demonstrations for peace with organizations including Witness for Peace, Michigan Interfaith Committee for Central American Human Rights, Michigan Committee for a Democratic Haiti, the Gray Panthers, the Poverty and Social Reform Institute, Business Executives Move for Vietnam Peace, and the U.S. China Peoples Friendship Association. Because of his wide breadth of interests, this collection spans a sizeable portion of Detroit peace and civil rights protests between the mid-1960s to 2012.

The Ruthven (Rudy) Simons Papers consists of newspaper articles, correspondence, rally information, and flyers from protests and events. There are also administrative documents and correspondence from numerous peace and civil rights community organizations, as well as notes and travel details from Simons’ delegation trips. Finally, this collection contains photographs from events including the Selma March and the Detroit Walk to Freedom, in addition to demonstrations and human rights-centered events.

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.

Smith College Records

aorchard — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 11:04:30 -0400

The collection contains pamphlets, booklets, periodicals, and monographs related to a wide variety of liberal causes from the 1920s to the late 1960s. The majority of items concern issues in the United States or that directly deal with American involvement. Most of the records date back to the 1960s and involve topics related to the American anti-war movement or socialism.

African Americans and the UAW

mosmith — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:53:30 -0500

The Reuther Library celebrates African American History Month with a brief review of the important role that African Americans have played in the formation and growth of the United Automobile Workers of America (UAW), one of the most powerful unions in American history, and the influence of black UAW members within the polity of Detroit. read more »

In Memoriam: Owen Bieber (1929-2020)

gstrassel — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 16:58:40 -0500

UAW President Emeritus Owen Bieber passed away yesterday, on February 17, 2020. Bieber was a respected figure in the labor movement, known for his commitment to civil rights and steady leadership during turbulent times for organized labor. read more »

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 »

(46506) Nelson Mandela, Tiger Stadium, Detroit, 1990

eclemens — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 17:56:21 -0400

Crowds celebrate during Nelson Mandela’s 1990 visit to Detroit’s Tiger Stadium.

(46507) Nelson Mandela, Tiger Stadium, Detroit, 1990

eclemens — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 17:58:33 -0400

Pro Nelson Mandela supporters are seen cheering at an anti-apartheid rally that took place at Tiger Stadium located in Detroit, MI.

(46509) Nelson Mandela, Tiger Stadium, Detroit, 1990

eclemens — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 18:04:19 -0400

A woman wearing a “Free South Africa” t-shirt waits outside of Tiger Stadium with a small child during Nelson Mandela’s June 1990 visit to Detroit.

(46510) Nelson Mandela, Crowds, 1990

eclemens — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 18:08:00 -0400

Crowds gather on the street to welcome Nelson Mandela during his 1990 visit to the United States. The location is not identified, but the photo was likely taken in New York City.

(46511) Nelson Mandela, Ford Rouge Plant, Local 600, 1990

eclemens — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 18:19:48 -0400

Nelson Mandela proudly holds high his lifetime union membership card to the United Auto Workers (UAW). The card was given to Mandela by UAW president Owen Bieber during his historic visit to the Ford Rouge Plant.

(46512) Nelson Mandela, Ford Rouge Plant, Local 600, 1990

eclemens — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 18:13:10 -0400

Members of UAW Local 600 wait to greet Nelson Mandela as he tours the Ford Rouge Plant.

(49505) Nelson Mandela, Detroit, Tiger Stadium 1990

eclemens — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 17:52:39 -0400

Crowds celebrate during Nelson Mandela’s 1990 visit to Detroit’s Tiger Stadium.

(49508) Nelson Mandela, Tiger Stadium, Detroit, 1990

eclemens — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 18:02:07 -0400

A man sells t-shirts celebrating Nelson Mandela and the end of Apartheid outside of Detroit’s Tiger Stadium during Mandela’s June 1990 visit.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(28657) Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Cobo Hall, Detroit, 1986

eclemens — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 14:12:34 -0400

Portrait of Desmond Tutu, taken at Cobo Hall during his 1986 visit to Detroit.

(28658) Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Detroit, 1986

eclemens — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 14:10:36 -0400

Portrait of Desmond Tutu, taken at Christ Church during his 1986 visit to Detroit.

Photographer's note: "Rev. Desmond Tutu, Anglican bishop from South Africa, came to Detroit for support of his fight against Apartheid."

(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