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Friday, November 8, 2024
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In 1994 the C.A.W. Aboriginal / Workers of Colour
Caucus of Windsor and Essex County was founded by Steve Talbot.
The Caucus
is committed to encouraging aboriginal workers and workers of colour
to be actively involved in the union and assist workers in achieving
their desired status within the union. The Caucus serves as both
an advocate and educator to heighten |
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C.A.W.
Aboriginal/Workers of Colour Caucus of Windsor and Essex County
celebrates Black History, 1997 – photo
courtesy of Rodney Davis |
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awareness of important issues such
as racism, sexism, harassment and oppression both within the union
and in
the community at large. |
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In November 1995, following the resignation of Steve
Talbot, Rodney Davis was elected Chairperson. In 2004 Rodney Davis
stepped down as Chairperson and Dale Talbot is currently the Caucus
Chair. Since 1996 the Caucus has maintained an executive that consists
solely of C.A.W. members. The C.A.W. Aboriginal/Workers
of Colour |
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C.A.W.
Aboriginal/Workers of Colour Caucus celebrate the 8th Annual
Black History Month at local 200/444 Hall, 28/02/2004 – photo
courtesy of Rodney Davis |
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Caucus of Windsor and Essex County currently consists
of more than 30 active members who serve on an on-going basis. |
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The C.A.W. Aboriginal/Workers of Colour Caucus of
Windsor and Essex County has held many prominent events. In February
of 1996 the Caucus launched it’s first ‘Celebrate Black
History Month’ event. Included was a workshop which provided
an opportunity to pay tribute to people who contributed to the
labour movement in |
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The
C.A.W. Aboriginal/Workers of Colour Caucus present a Black History
Month
display – photo courtesy of Rodney Davis |
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the past and to document their struggles. The Black
History Month celebration have become an annual event. |
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The Caucus is committed to providing positive leadership
for youth in the community. They provide workshops and educational
opportunities. An excellent example is their youth seminars. Leaders
in the community offer advice and support to youth and provide
an opportunity to learn about the past and gain a sense of pride.
The seminar |
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Seminar for Youth, March 1998 – photo courtesy of Rodney
Davis |
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offered as part of black history celebrations in
March of 1998 featured Juanita Westmoreland Traore, dean of |
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the University of Windsor law school, as
guest speaker. They have also participated in the week long D.I.V.E.R.S.I.T.Y.
program. |
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Other Caucus programs include Cultural
Diversity Days, Human Rights Forums, special tributes, fundraising
and educational programs. In November of 1998 the first Regional Workers
of Colour Conference was held. It was entitled “ Building Our
Union – Changing Society” which featured Canadian Labour
Hall of Fame Inductee Stanley Grizzle as the guest speaker. The C.A.W.
Aboriginal/Workers of Colour Activist Course has been offered by the
Caucus since 1992. During this course participants learn about labour
history and the struggles and contributions to the Canadian labour
movement and enhance their skills and confidence. |
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A very special event was the Paul Robeson Tribute
entitled “Universal Champion of the Working Class” held
May 29, 2004. Robeson was a world renowned singer and labour activist.
In 1945 visited Windsor during the 99-Day Ford Strike as workers
organized for union. He held a benefit concert at the Capital Theater
to raise funds for striking |
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Part of display honouring Paul Robeson “Universal Champion of the
Working Class event May 29, 2004 – photo courtesy of Rodney Davis
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workers. He also walked the picket line at Chrysler
at McDougall and Tecumseh as they picketed in support of Ford workers. |
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On February 24, 2001 the C.A.W. Aboriginal/Workers
of Colour Caucus held it’s first annual appreciation event
held at local 200/444 Union Hall.
Each year the Caucus honours 4 recipients, 2 male and 2 female,
who
have
made
outstanding contributions in both the labour
movement
and in community service. |
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Award
Recipients for 2003 Nancy Allen, Brian Kersey, Rodney Davis(Chair),
Hilda Watkins, Mike
Allen – Photo
Courtesy of R. Davis |
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The following is a list of those labour activists
who have received awards of recognition: |
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2001 |
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Alice Anna Allen – Public Service Alliance Canada (retired)
Debbie Taylor McCall – Union Representative and Organizer Local 75
Waynard Wilfred Scott – Ford Motor Company (retired)
Scott Elsworth Banks – Ford Motor Company (retired) |
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2002 |
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Shelley Harding-Smith – Master Electrician and Greater
Essex County District School Board Trustee
Rev. Lloyd Jenkins – Ford and Chrysler employee (retired),
labour organizer and Elder of A.M.E. Church in Canada
Glenn Morris Watkins – Former 2nd Vice-President of local
444 (deceased) and co-founder of 444 Recreation Committee.
Joanne Marie Whited – First black woman to work as a secretary
in U.A.W. office in Canada and a member of the Office and Professional
Employees International Union Local 494 |
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2003 |
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Nancy Allen – Elementary School Teacher (retired)
Brian Kersey – Past President of Steel Workers Union Local 14045
Hilda Watkins – First Vice President Elementary Teachers Federation of
Ontario
Mike Allen – Greater Essex County District School Board Trustee and Past
Director of Labour Programs and Services, United Way Windsor-Essex |
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2004 |
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Wanda Lewis – Past President CUPE Local 2028 and Chief
Steward SEIU
Jim Allen – Past Executive Member OPSEU Local 138
Tashlyn Chase – CAW National Ergonomic Co-ordinator, Ford Canada
Steve Talbot – CAW Local 444 (retired) and Founding President C.A.W. Aboriginal/Workers
of Colour Caucus of Windsor and Essex County |
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For more information, please visit:
http://www.caw.ca/en/services-departments-aboriginal-workers-workers-of-colour.htm |
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