By: Alex Ortiz

February is Black History Month. This is a time to focus on the contributions that African Americans have made to our nation, as well as the sacrifices they have endured.

Last month, I wrote about Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the struggle for civil rights for all the citizens of our nation. Unfortunately, the struggle for equality continues. I wish I could say that our country is moving forward, but apparently Fascism is rearing its ugly head.

I hate to take away from the importance of celebrating Black History Month, but we must all pay attention to the new administration. The peaceful protests led by Dr. King were designed to bring legal challenges to laws that were unjust and unconstitutional. Overturning Jim Crow and other segregationist laws were done through the legal system. If the new administration refuses to abide by the law and the United States Constitution, we will no longer be a nation of laws, and no one will have rights.

The 88th White Shirt Day Celebration was held at UAW Local 659 on Tuesday, February 11th. Region 1D Director Steve Dawes invited several special guests to speak at the packed house.

This event was again live-streamed on the UAW YouTube channel and is still available to watch here.

There were many special guests in attendance, including UAW International Vice President Mike Booth, Region 1 Director (and Director of the IUAW Women’s Department) LaShawn English, and Region 1A Director Laura Dickerson. Special guests included Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley, Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber, Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton, and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson.

White Shirt Day started 10 years after the Sit-Down Strikers here in Flint, Michigan won recognition of their Union in 1937. The Sit-Downers took over a plant from General Motors, which was the largest corporation in the world at the time.

We also celebrate the brave women who were “The Women’s Emergency Brigade” that defended the Sit-Downers and made it possible for those in the plant to survive. The Women’s Brigade were wives, girlfriends, and family of the Sit-Downers. A video of Genora Johnson (the Joan of Arc of Labor) was shown and is a must see. She and the brave women of the Brigade are the example of the militancy that is needed to demand and force change for what is fair and just. Remember your history!

Our 2025 Pre-Retirement classes are ongoing, so please see the schedule if you are interested. They are usually held at the beginning of the year, so look for them again in early 2026.

These classes are not just for the members who are retiring. These classes will help you prepare for your retirement, which may be decades away and help you prepare now for a successful retirement.

For the GM SAP Participants, a huge congratulations and I wish you well in your retirement! Please sign up for your retiree dues if you wish to continue to receive this paper and participate in any Retiree functions.

The amount of experienced, Union members leaving will be a loss to our Local and the UAW. It is now time for our newer members to step-up. Our Union is only as strong as the membership that powers it!

Remember to keep checking your in-plant Union Boards, our UAW Local 659 Facebook page and website for updated information –and- attending your monthly Unit meetings!