LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The Fight Continues for Black Empowerment Because it MUST!
The anti-Black racism, homophobia, and colorism expressed in the released conversation between former Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez, Councilmember Kevin de León, Councilmember Gil Cedillo, and former Los Angeles County Federation of Labor President Ron Herrera were disgusting, triggering, and disheartening. Not only was racist language used with regard to a Black elementary school child, but it was also levied against the entire Black population in Los Angeles.
Anti-Blackness has NO PLACE in the labor movement, and the release of this conversation amongst Los Angeles leaders showcases that the fight for Black equity and empowerment must continue. In fact, the fight for Black equity in labor has never stopped. The conversation between these Los Angeles council members and labor president was specifically centered around the desire to silence the voices of Black people. They discussed how they might strategically design city council districts in such a way as to dilute Black votes and solidify their power. This is racial gerrymandering, which was deemed unconstitutional by the United States Supreme Court, and a violation of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. We demand better from our local leaders, and especially our labor leaders.
These wildly problematic Los Angeles leaders discussed not working with other Los Angeles leaders because those leaders support their Black constituents. We at AFGE B.L.A.C.K. stand in solidarity against all forms of anti-Blackness. We believe in uplifting our Black union family in Los Angeles and throughout all of our communities. As a society, we can do better, and doing better starts with electing leadership at all levels who hold fierce beliefs in the advancement of racial equity.
We believe EVERYONE has an unalienable right to exist in this country without fear of being discriminated against, pursued, or murdered based on the color of their skin. AFGE is dedicated to protecting that right, and unabashedly stands against any who seek to perpetuate this pernicious form of hatred.
Our hearts are aligned with our Black members who are suffering, their families, and the community directly impacted by this horrendous act of hatred.
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