Honoring the Past, Building the Future: Celebrating Black History Month with APWU

February marks Black History Month, a time to reflect on the significant contributions African Americans have made to our country and our company. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words continue to resonate with us: “No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance.”

These words are particularly relevant to the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), where workers from diverse backgrounds come together to serve our communities. As a union, APWU has a long history of fighting for workers’ rights, social justice, and equality.

The history of African Americans in the US Postal Service dates back to the Civil War era. William Cooper Nell, a prominent abolitionist and historian, was appointed as a clerk in the Boston Post Office in 1863. This was a significant milestone, marking the beginning of a long history of African American contributions to the postal service.

Today, APWU continues to build on the legacy of pioneers like Nell. Our members work in a variety of roles, from clerks and mail handlers to maintenance workers and drivers. Every APWU member plays a critical role in ensuring that the postal service runs smoothly and efficiently.

As we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize the significant contributions African American postal workers have made to our organization. From the early days of segregation to the present, African American postal workers have demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence.

We’re proud to highlight the trailblazing leadership of our past president, William Burrus, who served from 2001 to 2010. Prior to his presidency, Burrus served as the APWU Executive Vice-President for 21 years, from 1980 to 2001. His leadership and legacy are remembered for helping to secure substantial gains for postal workers and advocating better working conditions. As the first African American president of APWU, President Burrus broke down barriers and paved the way for future generations of leaders. His legacy continues to inspire us today.

And now, we’re excited to welcome our newly elected president, Johnathan Smith. As we embark on this new chapter in our union’s history, we’re honored to serve alongside President Smith and support his vision for our organization. The Human Relations department is committed to fostering a workplace environment that’s inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination. We’re proud to work alongside President Smith and the entire APWU leadership team to ensure that every member feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and skills.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our initiatives and programs. We’re working to ensure that our union reflects the communities we serve. Our diversity and inclusion initiatives provide training and resources that help our members understand and appreciate the diversity of our workforce.

We’re also working to promote diversity and inclusion in the broader community. We’re partnering with organizations that share our values, working together to address the systemic barriers that prevent marginalized communities from accessing opportunities. By promoting diversity and inclusion, we’re not only improving the lives of our members, but also contributing to a more just and equitable society.

As we celebrate Black History Month, we’re reminded of the power of collective action. We’re proud to stand alongside other labor unions and community organizations that share our commitment to social justice and equality. Together, we can build a more just and equitable society, where every worker is valued and respected.

The Human Relations Department plays a critical role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization. We’re committed to providing resources and support to our members, ensuring that every individual feels valued and respected. Whether it’s addressing workplace conflicts, providing training and development opportunities, or promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives, we’re dedicated to serving our members and advancing the interests of our union.

In conclusion, we’re proud to be part of an organization that values the dignity and importance of all labor. We’re committed to continuing the fight for inclusion and equality, knowing that our work uplifts humanity and makes a difference in the lives of our members and the communities we serve. As we move forward under the leadership of President Smith, we’re excited to build on the legacy of our past leaders and continue to push for a more just and equitable society.

In Union Solidarity,
Daleo Freeman