Southeastern Pennsylvania and
Greater Philadelphia Chapter
In September of 1972, more than 1,200 black union officials and rank and file members, representing thirty-seven (37) different international and national unions, met in Chicago for two (2) days to discuss the role of black trade unionists in the labor movement. Five (5) labor leaders, William (Bill) Lucy, International Secretary-Treasure, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Nelson (Jack) Edwards, Vice President, United Auto Workers, William Simons, President Washington Teachers Union, Local 6, Charles A. Hayes, Vice President, United Food & Commercial Workers Union, and Cleveland Robinson, President, Distributive Workers of America, District 65. These five (5) formed the initial steering committee of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. The delegates made it clear that black workers were ready to share in the power of the labor movement at every level of its policy-making process. CBTU would be a progressive forum for black workers to bring their special issues within unions as well as act as a bridge between organized labor and the black community. This message was heard throughout the labor movement and thereby a charter was given to Philadelphia forming the Southeastern Pennsylvania and Greater Philadelphia Chapter on March 15, 1974. The struggles and obstacles of racism and power struggle within unions were conquered in order to be recognized and thus change began. With determination, passion and strength that was needed to create a strong foundation for the CBTU Southeastern Pennsylvania and Greater Philadelphia Chapter to survive. Its founding officers were: Gabriel White, Correction Officers, Local 2497 (was the President,) Sam Parlow, American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees District Council 33 Local 696 (was the Vice President), James Sutton, former President of, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 33(was the Secretary /Treasures), Bobby Turner American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, District Council 33 (was the Sergeant-At-Arms). The Southeastern Pennsylvania and Greater Philadelphia Chapter includes trade union members without regard to race, creed, color national origin, sex, religion or political belief. The chapter works to utilize and encourage participation in the political and legislative process as a way to educate and improve the community, as well as, advocate social and labor issues of concern to its membership and enhance the quality of life in the community through mentoring, mediation and education.
