“Never backward, always forward: we will not be erased.”
By Emily Evans
The Truth Reporter
The Coalition of Black Trade Unionist Toledo Chapter’s 36th annual Black History month celebration started off in an eloquent ambiance on Saturday, February 22 at Premier Banquet Hall. Dinner was served, people laughed and danced. Everyone was in high spirits and enjoyed the night.
The CBTU consists of members from 77 international and national unions with 42 chapters across the country. The Toledo chapter was organized in 1974. CBTU seeks to fulfill the dream of those Black trade unionists, both living and deceased, who throughout this century have courageously and unremittingly struggled to build a national movement that would bring all of our strengths and a varied talents to bear in the unending effort to achieve economic, political and social justice for every American.
The basic objectives of the CBTU to improve economic development and employment opportunities for Black workers, increase union involvement in voter registration, voter education and voter turnout projects. Organize unorganized workers, actively support civil rights and civic groups working to improve, living and working conditions in the Black community, increase effective political alliances between labor, churches and the general community.
Pierrette “Petee” Talley, was the moderator for the Saturday event. Elected in 2002 as Ohio AFL – CIO secretary- treasurer in 2019. She spoke about the importance of CBTU members to join organizations like FLOC – Farm Labor Organizing Committee.
The CBTU honored Siti Dotson-Chambers with the Community Service Award; Eddie Merrell, Jr. with the Trade Unionist Award and State Rep. Elgin Rogers with the Political Action Award. These honorees also served as panelists for the evening’s discussion. Also recognized was an organization that shares the mission of the CBTU, the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC).
Baldemar Velasquez, president of FLOC, spoke about the importance of “uniting with one another since we are living in a very critical and pivotal moment in history, we should not allow people to lie to us and Black and Brown people need to struggle together instead of separately.”
Merrill has over 25 years experience in UAW and the USW manufacturing. His career is dedicated to labor, advocacy, leadership and community service. He advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion within the labor movement and he also serves on the UAW region veteran executive board and has served five years in the military.
Merrill spoke of the importance of DEI and what it stands for. He explained that diversity, equity and inclusion is a philosophy, culture, and set of practices that aim to make people feel welcomed and supported in all aspects of society. “Union education is key,” he added.
Dotson-Chambers, a community activist, is a local freedom fighter. She advocates for children and adults and is the contact person for the New Order Human Rights organization, Toledo chapter. She spoke out against injustice in our community. She wants everyone to know: “don’t be afraid to do what’s right.”
Rogers represents Ohio House District 42. He was sworn into office for this current term, on January 1, 2025 by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Melody J Stewart.
Rogers is a graduate of Jesup W. Scott High School. He is an advocate for those fighting the realities of poverty, bad working conditions, health disparities and hopelessness. “I am thankful for the Coalition and the work they are doing in the community and all contributions to the fight against inequality,” he noted.
“The icing on the cake” as CBTU President Anita Madison described it, was a spoken word presentation by Jamele Walker that included the voice of Sojourner Truth along with entertainment provided by DJ Mpress (Moni Featchurs).
All of the honorees were presented with commemorative plaques and everyone posed for pictures after the banquet. A lot of information was shared during the event, and it was a night to remember, a number of attendees noted. Everyone was invited to join the movement and get together to become stronger together.
