Can't Build Solidarity Without It
Annual Region 3 dinner highlights need for diversity
UAW values of equality and diversity were recognized and rewarded as Local 862 retiree Cylister Williams received the James Smith Region 3 UAW Diversity Award at the region’s second annual diversity dinner in January.
The award is named after James Smith, an 83-year old retiree who is still going strong.
The honor surprised Williams a little. “When you look out over the room and see so many that you worked with over the years, it made me think, ‘Do I really deserve this?’ Then you think, ‘Yes, I guess I do.’ It really made me feel good that they thought enough of me to do that,” Williams added.
Williams wasn’t the only one taken aback by an award. UAW Region 3 Director Terry Thurman got a surprise when John Bartlett, president of the central Indiana chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and a Local 933 member, presented him with an award from the CBTU, which read: “In appreciation for your continued support and dedication to the labor movement.”
The Reverend Dr. Joseph Lowery, co-founder and president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, spoke at the dinner.
The 2003 nominees for the diversity award included Sheriff Oatess Archey, Marion, Ind.; Ella Mimms, Local 662; Mae Dickinson, CBTU; Rossie Toliver, Local 1302; and Brad A. Warrenburg, Local 1111. Also, Charles Sheppard, Area 11 Retirees; Dale See, Local 977; Jean Clark, Local 977; Bob Sanchez, Local 977; Rosa Garcia, Local 2209; Julietta Clardy, Local 226; Karen Roney, Local 9212, and Mayor Bart Peterson, Indianapolis.
Williams serves on UAW Local 862’s civil rights, publications, legislative and veterans committees. He is president of the Louisville chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, treasurer of the CBTU and second vice president of the Louisville/Jefferson County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
In addition, Williams is vice president of the Greater Louisville Retirees’ Council, sits on the board of directors for the Kling Center Senior home, works with Jobs with Justice and is on the Kentucky state AFL-CIO’s Labor Day picnic committee.
“I’ve been told that I’m the kind of person that when something needs to be done, I don’t wait for someone else to do it. I just go ahead,” says Williams. “But the truth is, I just don’t know how to say no. Besides, I really enjoy working with people.”
Region 3 Director Terry Thurman said, “I expect this to grow and grow. I want our diversity dinner to be a model for the UAW in the rest of the country. I want everyone to understand our commitment to diversity. Until we include everyone in a dignified and respectful manner, it is impossible to build the kind of solidarity we need to move forward.”
