Among the IAM members taking part in the 2013 MLK Holiday Observance in Philadelphia were: Bottom row (left to right) Pam Sanders, District 837; Carline Lang, District 837; R. Jean Banks, District 837; Diane Babineaux, Chief of Staff, IAM Headquarters; Patsy Reddick, District 837; Karen Peek, IAM Headquarters; Dave Porter, Southern Territory GLR.
Top row (left to right) Steve Cooper, Western Territory GLR; Regina Gunn, District 837; Acie Vanhook, District 837; Renata Jones, District 837; Luther Williams, Midwest Territory GLR; Leon “Smitty” Smith, District 837; Rodney Bufford, District 837; Mike Edwards, Business Rep District 837; Bridget Fitzgerald, IAM Headquarters; Linda Fisher, IAM Headquarters; Cindy Williams, IAM Headquarters; Carlos San Miguel, Southern Territory GLR. |
Union members nationwide performed community service this week to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Among their projects, delegates to the AFL-CIO’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday Observance in Philadelphia helped paint the interior of a local recreation center.
The Francis J. Myers Recreation Center, which once served as an orphanage, now provides an after-school program, sports and activities for adults and children in the community.
An IAM contingent, led by Diane Babineaux, Chief of Staff to the IAM International President, was ready and willing to help a community in need.
“It’s always an honor and a pleasure to be able to go out and give back to our communities,” said IAM District Lodge 837 Business Representative Mike Edwards. “This is something that we need to do. Community service is a part of our life and a part of our history.”
“It makes me feel really good to know that I’m here helping to make a difference,” said Regina Dunn of Local 837B. “It inspires me. It encourages me to do even more.”
Participants to this year’s MLK celebration, themed “We Are One: Workers’ Rights and Civil Rights – Protecting and Expanding Democracy,” took part in five days of activities which included a series of speakers, a solidarity rally to Save Our Schools, workshops, panels, church service, an awards banquet and special watch party for the Second Inauguration of President Barack Obama.
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