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Friday, November 8, 2024
 
 
C.A.W. Aboriginal/Workers of Colour Caucus of Windsor and Essex County celebrates Black History, 1997
  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
C.A.W. Aboriginal/Workers of Colour Caucus of Windsor and Essex County celebrates Black History, 1997 – photo courtesy of Rodney Davis   awareness of important issues such as racism, sexism, harassment and oppression both within the union and in the community at large.
 
8th Annual Black History Month at local 200/444 Hall, 28/02/200
  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
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   Caucus of Windsor and Essex County currently consists of more than 30 active members who serve on an on-going basis.
 
The C.A.W. Aboriginal/Workers of Colour Caucus present a Black History Month display
  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
The C.A.W. Aboriginal/Workers of Colour Caucus present a Black History Month display – photo courtesy of Rodney Davis   the past and to document their struggles. The Black History Month celebration have become an annual event.
 
Seminar for Youth, March 1998 – photo courtesy of Rodney Davis
  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

Seminar for Youth, March 1998 – photo courtesy of Rodney Davis
  offered as part of black history celebrations in March of 1998 featured Juanita Westmoreland Traore, dean of
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.
 
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.
 
Part of display honouring Paul Robeson
  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

Part of display honouring Paul Robeson “Universal Champion of the Working Class event May 29, 2004 – photo courtesy of Rodney Davis
  workers. He also walked the picket line at Chrysler at McDougall and Tecumseh as they picketed in support of Ford workers.
 
The C.A.W. Aboriginal/Workers of Colour Caucus present a Black History Month display – photo courtesy of Rodney Davis
  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.

Award Recipients for 2003 Nancy Allen, Brian Kersey, Rodney Davis(Chair), Hilda Watkins, Mike Allen – Photo Courtesy of R. Davis
  The following is a list of those labour activists who have received awards of recognition:
 
2001   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)
     
2002   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
     
2003   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
     
2004   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
 
For more information, please visit:
http://www.caw.ca/en/services-departments-aboriginal-workers-workers-of-colour.htm
 

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