AFSCME Family,

During Black History Month, we celebrate all the ways that African Americans have contributed to the strength of our nation – all the ways that Black history IS American history.

And at AFSCME, we celebrate one of the enduring lessons of Black history: that a thriving African American community, with economic security and upward mobility, depends on strong labor unions.

Click here to watch this Black History Month video message.

For generations, union membership has allowed families like mine to raise their living standards and share in the American Dream. And decade after decade, unions have led the fight for civil rights and voting rights, for social justice and racial justice.

But Black History Month is more than a look backwards. It must also be a call to action. We must draw strength from our past in order to meet the challenges of the present and the future. Yesterday's heroes can inspire us to make more history today.

I hope you enjoy this short video.

Happy Black History Month, everybody.

In solidarity,

Lee Saunders
AFSCME President