Eye opening ways to overcome discrimination

Story by Khaalid Walls

UAW Vice President Elizabeth Bunn presents Secretary Treasurer Ruben Burks with the “Tip of the Spear Award” from the BMIU Institute for his outstanding union leadership and dedication as conference coordinator Skip Turner applauds.

Did just one person or group lead society to discriminate?

That was one of the tough questions asked in the cultural diversity workshop at the Black Men In Unions Institute conference in February.

“No, discrimination has manifested itself through a series of events that date far back,” answered one participant, who proudly wore the UAW logo on his T-shirt.

Since 1985 the University of Michigan’s Labor Studies Center has sponsored the BMIU Institute conference to encourage the active participation and leadership of African-Americans in unions.

Skip Turner, BMIU Institute program associate and conference coordinator, said the Institute has a dual purpose.

“The institute is creating a cadre of rank and file activists who will help improve the overall labor movement. We want our participants to get involved with their communities and the political structure as well,” said Turner.

At the annual conferences, which are open to all regardless of race, delegates participate in workshops that cover a broad range of topics from basic union skills to cultural diversity.

This year 640 participants were able to voice their views and opinions on various workshop topics.

Special Assistant to AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, Bill Fletcher, instructs BMIU Academy.

First-year participant UAW Local 1485 member, Victor Shaw, who attended the cultural diversity workshop, found the program an eye-opening experience.

“It’s so good to see people who want to make some changes and who learn how to benefit from other peoples’ differences,” said Shaw, who works at Rapistan in Grand Rapids, Mich., as he looked over the multiracial audience that crowded the conference room.

Shaw said he was eager to spread the word back at his local. He wants to boost BMIU Institute participation among the local members and said he now wants to run for an elected union position at his local.

During the five-day conference but separate from the various workshops, the BMIU conducts an intensive leadership-training program: the Black Men in Unions Academy, led by social activists in and outside of the labor movement. This program is limited to 20 participants who have previously attended a BMIU workshop and are experienced union activists.

Gwen Goodman of Local 699 has attended the conference for the past five years. This was her first year at the academy.

Goodman, who works as the human resources development person at her Delphi plant in Saginaw, Mich., said through her participation in the program, she has realized her potential to be a leader.

Five years earlier when she attended her first conference, she did not hold any leadership positions. But she has since moved up the ranks and has plans to go even further.

“I think it is an awesome experience that has greatly developed my leadership skills,” said Goodman.

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