By: Anthony Davis

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

            Happy New Year and welcome to 2026! I hope everyone enjoyed time with family and friends over the holidays and is ready for the year ahead. On January 19, 2026, we observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day, honoring one of our nation’s greatest civil rights and labor leaders. Dr. King was a strong champion of working people and labor unions, recognizing organized labor as a critical force in the fight for equality and justice. At the time of his assassination in 1968, Dr. King was in Memphis, Tennessee, standing with striking sanitation workers who were demanding dignity, fairness, and respect on the job.

“The labor movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress.”
                                                                                                            — Martin Luther King Jr.

            Looking ahead, White Shirt Day will be held at UAW Local 651 on February 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. This important day honors the workers who participated in the historic Flint Sit-Down Strike of 1936–1937. During a time of strong anti-union sentiment, unsafe working conditions, and low wages, GM workers came together and took a stand to demand a voice at the bargaining table.

            After 44 days, on February 11, 1937, the sit-down strike ended with a major victory for working people. General Motors recognized the United Auto Workers as the official bargaining representative for hourly employees. This achievement secured wage increases, lunch breaks, and basic workplace protections, and it sparked tremendous growth in union membership—from 30,000 to more than 500,000 members within a year.

Following the strike, workers began wearing white shirts every February 11th to symbolize that so-called “blue-collar” workers deserve the same respect and dignity as their “white-collar” counterparts.

            White Shirt Day reminds us to honor the sacrifices and accomplishments of those who came before us and fought for fairness, dignity, and respect. While much progress has been made, we know the fight for workers’ rights continues today. Standing together in solidarity remains as important now as it was then.

            I would also like to thank everyone who volunteered or brought their children out to Pictures with Santa. It was another great turnout. From cookie decorating and crafts to the hot cocoa bar, it was wonderful to see families spending time together and enjoying the event. Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces truly made it special.

            Remember, no matter who you are or where you are from, we are all in this together.