By: Anthony Davis
Greetings Brothers and Sisters,
Every February, I usually talk about what the goundhog saw and what it means for the next six weeks. This year, however, we had two groundhogs predicting opposite outcomes. So, I guess either way, someone is right.
Whether we get more winter or an early spring, we will be springing ahead for Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2:00 a.m. Please remember to check your clocks, as not all of them automatically adjust. This is also our meeting day.
Daylight Savings Time is also a good reminder for home safety. According to multiple reports, approximately 20% of homes have non-operational smoke detectors. Take a moment to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and ensure they are working properly.
White Shirt Day was held on February 11th, at Local 651. As always, it was another great turnout. I truly enjoy seeing the videos and old photos every year. It brings us back to the basics of why we fight for what we have today. So much has changed, and we owe everything to those who came before us.
I say this every year, but if you ever get the chance to watch the 2012 award-winning documentary Brothers on the Line, I highly recommend it. It tells the powerful story of the Reuther brothers and their lasting impact on our Union and the labor movement.
February is also Black History Month. Many people ask, “Why February?” The month was chosen to honor the birthdays of two influential figures celebrated within the Black Community- President Abraham Lincoln, born on February 12th, who issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, and abolitionist Frederick Douglass, whose birthday was celebrated on February 14th. After escaping slavery, Douglass became one of the most prominent leaders of the abolitionist movement.
Black History Month was not always a month-long observance. In February 1926, historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week to educate people about African American history and the contributions of Black Americans. This effort was organized through the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), which Dr. Woodson founded in 1915.
“I think Black folks understood what they had contributed to America’s historical narrative, but no one was talking about it,” said Kaye Whitehead, president of ASALH. “No one was centralizing it until Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926.”
After Dr. Woodson’s passing in 1950, members of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, of which he was a member, played a major role in expanding the observance. Their efforts helped lead to Black History Week becoming a month-long celebration. In 1976, President Gerald Ford became the first U.S. president to officially recognize Black History Month.
Looking ahead, the Education Committee will be offering Pre-/Post- Retirement Classes beginning March 2, 2026, and continuing every Monday throughout the month of March. A morning session will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and an evening session from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. If you are interested in attending, please call the hall at (810) 232-4130, ext. 231, and let them know which class or classes you would like to attend.
On March 5, 2026, UAW Local 659 will host a Financial Literacy Class in partnership with Financial Plus Credit Union. This will be a two hour informational session focused on helping you make your paycheck work for you. There will be two sessions available- a morning session starting at 10:00 a.m. and an evening session starting at 4:00 p.m. To register, please call the Union Hall at (810) 232-4130 ext. 231, and indicate which session you plan to attend.
Finally, mark your calendars for the Easter Bunny and Easter Egg Hunt, which will take place on Sunday, March 29th, at the UAW Local 659 Union Hall. The Easter Bunny will be visiting from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the Easter Egg Hunt beginning at 2:30 p.m.
We are currently collecting candy for this event. Donation can be dropped off at the Union Hall or given to a member of the Recreation or Women’s Committee at your respective plant.
Remember, no matter who you are or where you are from, we are all in this together.

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