February 24, 2021
What Does Black History Month Mean to You?
The work of providing ALL Californians with the opportunity to have a good life, live in sustainable communities and enjoy the fruits of social, economic, and environmental is ongoing. As we focus on how best to share our values, serve our members, and achieve our objectives, our celebration of Black History Month continues with a final series of member testimonials.
Thank you for all of your insightful and heartfelt contributions.
Local 1000 Member Leader John Moore Helps JLMC Task Force Improve Working Conditions at SCIF
In all his years working at the State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF), John Moore has always been one to speak up whenever he’s seen an injustice. As an SEIU Local 1000 steward, this instinct has helped him navigate the various aspects of state work, especially contracts, that impact members’ lives. One of the arenas he’s been able to serve as a voice for members is on the Joint Labor Management Committee (JLMC), a task force committee comprised of union members and department managers.
Know Your History
Did You Know that the most iconic part of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech was improvised?
With February winding down, we find ourselves with too many stories of heroic African-Americans like pioneer aviatrix Bessie Coleman and artic explorer Matthew Henson that deserve to be told and not enough time to tell them. However, in celebration of Black History Month and in tribute to all of our fellow Californians of color, we offer up the following.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the March on Washington
Crispus Attucks – An icon of the struggle for freedom and equality
In our month-long celebration of Black History Month, we’re profiling some of the lesser-known historical heroes of African-American culture and society to emphasize the sacrifices and contributions ALL of us have made—and continue to make—for our country.
In 1976, at the height of his creative genius and fame, musician Stevie Wonder released Songs in the Key of Life. Among the tracks on the double-album was “Black Man,” on which he proudly proclaimed:
The First man to die
For the flag we now hold high
Was a Black man