With the theme Bridging the Gap – Education, Union, and Progress, the ATU’s Black Caucus kicked off their 58th Annual Conference today with more than 300 members from across North America coming to Maryland to discuss critical issues and to ensure our Black brothers, sisters, and members are well represented in our Union, our industry, and our communities.
After ATU Black Caucus President Jeffrey Richardson, President/Business Agent, Local 1342-Buffalo, NY, kicked off the conference with host Locals 689-Washington, DC, and 1300-Baltimore, MD. International President John Costa fired up the Caucus with a call and response of “Who are We? ATU!” and then delivered a moving speech. “It’s truly an honor to join you for this powerful gathering. The ATU Black Caucus has long stood as a vital bridge, connecting our past to our future, our struggles to our triumphs, through education, unity, and progress,” said Costa.
“This weekend, we come together not only to celebrate but to carry forward the legacy of those who came before us. Inspire each other. Lift each other up. And never stop pushing forward.” Attendees heard from Prince George’s County State Attorney and Candidate for Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy. Nominations were also made for the officers of the ATU International Black Caucus.
Also in attendance were International Executive Vice President Yvette Trujillo, International Secretary-Treasurer Ken Kirk, and International Vice Presidents Marcellus Barnes, Gary Johnson, Curtis Howard, Anthony Garland, Amanda Sawyer-Turner, Mark Henry, and Ken Day.