The IBEW 1245 delegation with new friends from other IBEW locals at the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Convention
Eight members of IBEW 1245 attended the 52nd International Convention of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) this spring in New Orleans.
“CBTU has been instrumental in the inter-workings of labor and civil rights — not only throughout the country, but the world,” 1245 Lead Organizing Steward Foster Goree explained. “From helping to end apartheid to participating in efforts to get former President Obama elected, CBTU has been at the forefront.”
“As soon as I landed in New Orleans, I was embraced with rich culture and the warmest smile from people who are from this beautiful state,” said Lead Organizing Steward Danielle Bonds. “I felt at home and I’m so thankful I got the opportunity to attend an outstanding conference.”
“This was my first time at a CTBU conference, what an experience,” echoed 1245 Advisory Council member Eric Wright. “I immediately noticed and felt the togetherness, alongside the New Orleans southern hospitality.”
“With a list of dynamic panels and plenary speakers, the conference was filled with informative, and inspiring messages challenging us to show up better at our local unions,” IBEW 1245 Staff Organizer Charlotte Sevens reported. “The 1245 delegates attended various skill building workshops on topics ranging from pre-apprentice programs and digital organizing to achieving and sustaining home ownership.”
“There were two different panels that I loved the most. The first one was about organizing across the country, and the stories from Starbucks workers shocked me the most. I couldn’t believe how the company treats their employees while advertising equality,” said Bonds. “The second panel was a townhall called Organizing & Activism in Sports. What surprised me the most is even though we’re in 2023, pay [equality] is still in question.”
“Participating in the ‘40 and Under’ group session was the best part of the conference for me,” said Donny Davis. “Even though I’m only a few years older than 40, it really warmed my heart to hear younger people talk about what they’ve done and plan to do to continue to push the Labor Movement forward, even in Canada.”
“A lot of people my age aren’t as interested as I am in union activity, so it was a satisfying feeling to share a space with like-minded people,” added Wright, who also enjoyed the under-40 session. “Where you’ve come from is important; however, CBTU has invested in the future.”
“The CTBU conference continues to be a valuable resource for our membership,” underscored Stevens.
“We learned a lot during the convention and made a lot of strong allies across the labor community,” echoed Goree. “Thank you for the opportunity for allowing me to represent IBEW 1245.”