AFGE Family,
One year ago this month, AFGE, organized labor, and the civil rights movements lost one of its strongest and most dedicated activists, August Y. Thomas. During her decades of activism with AFGE – a span of more than 50 years – she held almost every position a person could hold in their local union: treasurer, secretary, chief steward, and local president, just to name a few. She then went on to run for and successfully serve as AFGE’s 6th District National Fair Practices Affirmative Action Coordinator and eventually, National Vice President for Women and Fair Practices.
Even though NVP Thomas, or “Ms. Augusta,” as she was affectionately called by members close to her, is no longer with us, her work around voting rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, young workers and women have continued to leave an indelible mark on our union. So much so that in December 2018, AFGE’s National Executive Council voted to declare October 14th of every year Augusta Y. Thomas day in AFGE. You may read the resolution by clicking here. This is a day of community service to help those who cannot help themselves.
In honor of this day and her memory, we are asking that you make October 14th a “day on” instead of a day off. Please consider spending this time with family, friends and your union family. Find ways to give back to your communities by volunteering at schools, shelters, places of worship or anywhere else that needs assistance. Take her legacy a step further by marking this date on your calendar and making it an annual routine.
Let’s continue make NVP Thomas proud!
In Solidarity,
Jeremy A. Lannan
NVP for Women and Fair Practices
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