To Honor Bill Lucy, Vote

By Claude Cummings, Jr.

Bill Lucy inspired me, what seems like a lifetime ago, to dedicate myself to working at the intersection of Civil Rights and the Labor Movement, which I see as two sides of the same coin. In 1972, during a time of political and cultural upheaval not unlike what we are facing now, he helped formally bring these two movements together by founding the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. And just like in 1972, right-wing politicians and their corporate allies are again fueling the fires of division and hate.

Bill Lucy fought for each of us to be able to determine our own paths when, for so many generations, our lives have been scripted by others, often to their betterment and our detriment. 

To honor this man's legacy doesn't take a lifelong commitment to racial and labor justice. It simply requires that we each make the most of the opportunities that he, and others like him, fought, bled, and died for. The greatest of these is our ability to vote. On the ballot this November is the question of what sort of nation we choose to be. Do we still honor the words on the base of the Statue of Liberty, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free . . ."? Or will we paint over that plaque with "Every man for himself"?

As someone dedicated to worker solidarity I believe, first and foremost, in the power of unity, that we are stronger together than separated, and that anti-worker tactics always boil down to "divide and conquer."

Earlier this year, I was concerned that in the face of continued attacks and struggle, Black voters had become discouraged and apathetic and would not turn out to vote. Polling numbers suggested this was the case. While the historic nomination of Kamala Harris has generated renewed enthusiasm in the Black community, we must not take turnout for granted. Young Black men in particular are being targeted by a right wing propaganda machine designed to exploit their legitimate frustrations with a political process that too often ignores their needs and concerns.

The truth is today, with input from labor unions, including CWA, the Biden-Harris administration has signed into law pro-worker legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act to create green manufacturing jobs and fund apprenticeship programs that offer a point of entry for young workers. They've lowered prescription drug costs for the elderly and, through the American Rescue Plan, have saved our pensions. Together, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have used the power of the federal government to improve our lives, whether by making investments to end redlining and connect every household and small business to high-speed internet or by providing grants and debt relief to ensure that our HBCUs survive and thrive.

The racial wealth gap, income inequality, job security . . . these aren't just economic issues. We live in a country where economics isn't just a tool, it's also a weapon. When Black and brown people face hiring discrimination, faultless terminations, and are frequently the targets of racially motivated violence, it matters who sits in the Oval Office. 

We cannot be complacent this election. We cannot sit back, sit down, or sit out. We must continue forward, for people like Bill Lucy but, more importantly, so the next leader, the next great voice calling for change, isn't silenced. Your vote is your voice and, whether it's a whisper or a shout, we owe it to those who came before to never be quiet when it comes to speaking out for justice.  

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Claude Cummings Jr. was elected president of the Communications Workers of America by delegates to the union's 79th convention on July 10, 2023.