February 3, 2021
What Black History Month Means to Me
The theme of Black History Month 2021, “Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity,” explores the African diaspora and the spread of Black families across the United States.
While many prominent politicians and scholars have weighed in, as a member-led union we wanted to hear your thoughts. What follows are a few perspectives, which we’ll be sharing throughout February. Members interested in adding their insights to the conversation are encouraged to email us at bnash@seiu1000.org.
Lu-Anne Cobb: Fighting to Protect Nurses, Prisoners, and the Community at PBSP
As organizing efforts at Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP) in Crescent City continue, the battle to protect nurses and ensure the safety of all workers at the facility have become more crucial than ever. The work taken up by SEIU Local 1000 members to address these issues now faces a multitude of issues, but our members continue to meet the challenge. Lu-Anne Cobb, a LVN and union member working at PBSP, has been stepping up to lead with the organizing team as the demands of their work environment grow more difficult.
Know Your History
Did You Know that One in Four Cowboys was Black?
In celebration of Black History Month, we’re highlighting some stories of lesser-known African- American historical heroes along with some lesser-known facts because, before we can address our legacy as a people and a nation, we must first tell the truth about our history of racial injustice.
Phyllis Wheatley: Unheralded Black Poet and African-American Hero
We celebrate Black History Month this week recognizing some of America’s overlooked Black historical heroes, whose contributions to the political, cultural, and economic struggles have made enormous impacts on us all. This week, we remember the poet Phillis Wheatley.
Before there was Amanda Gorman, there was Maya Angelou. Before there was Maya Angelou, there was Gwendolyn Brooks. And before there was Gwendolyn Brooks, there was Phyllis Wheatley.