Dr. King’s Legacy Continues to Inspire

In Baton Rouge for the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Seminar, from left, are Local 21 IL Business Agent Curtis Gilmore, Local 6 LA/MS/AL Secretary-Treasurer Anthony Gomez, IU Organizer Ernie Grubbs, Philadelphia Building Trades Council Representative and Local 1 PA/DE member Bernard Griggs, BAC Brick and Block Craft Director Dave Collins, and Local 4 CA Field Representative Rocky Bragg. Not pictured – Local 33 GA/NC/SC President Byron Walter

Overcoming barriers to people of color in union leadership, and identifying strategies for leadership development were the major themes of the AFL-CIO’s 2006 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance Seminar in January. More than 600 union leaders, including seven BAC members, gathered in Baton Rouge for three days of workshops, lectures, and community service work.

During a panel discussion on Hurricane Katrina and issues of race and class, Louisiana native and New Orleans resident, BAC Local 6 Louisiana/Mississippi/Alabama Secretary-Treasurer Anthony Gomez, spoke eloquently about his post-Katrina struggles after losing most of his possessions. His message of loss, perseverance, and optimism was a fitting parallel to the teachings of Dr. King.

BAC attendees also made the short trip to New Orleans for a tour of the devastated Ninth Ward.