LABOR LUNCHEON Symposium & Awards
WEDNESDAY | JULY 17, 2024
115th NAACP NATIONAL CONVENTION | LAS VEGAS, NV
LABOR LUNCHEON
PROGRAM
Welcome & Opening
LaChandra White, Member, NAACP National Labor Committee; Administrative Assistant, Office of the President, UAW Invocation
Rev. Dr. Regena Thomas, Women, Human & Civil Rights Advocacy Director, AFT
Remarks
- Leon W. Russell, Chairman, NAACP Board of Directors
- Derrick Johnson, President & CEO, NAACP
- Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer, AFL-CIO
- Jaime Harrison, Chair, DNC
- Julie Su, Acting Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor
Lunch
Benjamin L. Hooks Keeper of the Flame Award Presentation
Presented by:
LaChandra White, Member, NAACP National Labor Committee
Ray Curry, Vice Chair, NAACP National Labor Committee
2024 Recipients:
- Bobby Bivens
- Brendien Mitchell
- Charles F. Spencer
- Tom Savage
Legacy Award Presentation
Presented by:
Robin Williams, Chair, NAACP National Labor Committee
Claude Cummings, President, CWA
Legacy Charge:
Lee Saunders, President, AFSCME
Inaugural Recipient
William “Bill” Lucy, Renowned Labor & Civil Rights Leader
Remarks
Kyra Mitchell, Vice Chair, NAACP National Labor Committee
Karen Boykin-Towns, Vice Chair, NAACP National Board of Directors
Symposium: The Social, Economic and Political Power of Women Working
Moderated by Shavon-Arline Bradley, President & CEO, NCNW Benediction
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, Member, NAACP National Board of Directors
WILLIAM “BILL” LUCY
LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT
For over four decades, William (Bill) Lucy has been at the forefront of the labor movement in American and around the world. As International Secretary-Treasurer of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) for nearly 40 years, Lucy helped the union grow from 200,000 to over 1.4 million members in 3,500 local unions nationwide. He also helped define the role of African Americans in the labor unions when he co-founded the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) in 1972. Along the way, he has stood alongside the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in civil rights struggles and Nelson Mandela in opposition to apartheid. Lucy co-founded the Free South Africa Movement, a grassroots campaign that sparked widespread opposition to apartheid across the United States.
This first Legacy Award is awarded to Bill Lucy in recognition of his exceptional dedication to the labor movement and commitment to civil rights, as a renowned leading figure in the fight against injustice and inequality. It will be awarded to future honorees as the Bill Lucy Legacy Award to recognize those who, like Lucy, have dedicated their lives to the principles of equality, justice, and workers' rights.
BENJAMIN L. HOOKS KEEPER OF THE FLAME AWARD 2024 RECIPIENTS
Bobby Bivens
Bobby Bivens has demonstrated exceptional commitment to enhancing the relationship between the NAACP and the labor movement through his longstanding efforts in advocating for economic development and opportunities for marginalized communities. As President of the Stockton Branch and the Economic Development Chair of the CA/HI State Conference, Bobby Bivens has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the NAACP and labor organizations.
Throughout his career, Bobby Bivens has worked tirelessly to educate and empower Westside residents, providing pathways to living wage jobs and economic stability. His collaboration with Operation Second Chance and dedication to securing federal funding for community projects exemplifies his commitment to fostering positive relationships between the NAACP and the labor movement.
His strategic initiatives, such as engaging with organizations like the Rise Economy and attending workshops on economic development, highlight his active involvement in promoting economic opportunities for communities of color. By advocating for policies such as the new Community Reinvestment Laws for banks and participating in discussions with key stakeholders like Mechanics Bank, Bobby Bivens has showcased his ability to build bridges between different sectors for the betterment of all involved.
Brendien Mitchell
Brendien Mitchell is the Associate Director of Human Rights & Community Relations for the American Federation of Teachers. Prior to joining the AFT, he served as a communications fellow for the co-chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Reps. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) and Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), and communications director for Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.). He received an early introduction into the social justice movement at age 10 when he helped reactivate his local NAACP youth council, and since has served in various leadership roles within the historic organization, including as a member of the national board of directors, vice chair of the National Education Committee and vice chair of the NAACP Image Awards. Mitchell is a proud Howard University alumnus, where he served as president of the Howard University Student Association.
A true believer in democracy and fighting for a better, more equal America for all, Brendien ascribes to the words of Marian Wright Edelman, “Service is the rent we pay for being.” Brendien's interests lie at the intersection of advocacy, economic and education justice, and social impact, with an emphasis on embracing innovative technologies and solutions that level the inequities often found among people of color and other underserved communities.
BENJAMIN L. HOOKS KEEPER OF THE FLAME AWARD
2024 RECIPIENTS
Charles F. Spencer
Charles F. Spencer was born the ninth child of James and Burnell Spencer and raised in the East 21st Street Community, one of the poorest areas in the City of Jacksonville. Interestingly, his home was within a few blocks of the Talleyrand waterfront and the longshoreman loading docks.
He was elected President of the International Longshoremen’s Association, Local 1408 in Jacksonville December 20, 1984. He served in that capacity for 15 years before being elected Executive Vice President of the ILA South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District.
Today, Mr. Spencer serves the International Longshoremen’s Association in the capacity of International Vice President and Executive Vice President Emeritus of the South Atlantic and Gulf Coast District, I.L.A. He also serves as Vice President, Florida AFL-CIO. In addition, Mr. Spencer is a Founding Director of the Jacksonville Bank, President of Spencer’s Designer Florist, Gifts & Arrangements, Inc.
As a past member of the Jacksonville Branch Executive Committee Mr. Spencer continues to support the Branch. For many years he has been an avid supporter of the ACT-SO program due to his dedication to quality opportunities for young people. He has continued his commitment to offering and building college scholarships for young people.
Tom Savage
Tom Savage is President and a subscribing Gold Life member of the Cookeville Putnam County Branch NAACP. He was elected in November of 2021 to serve as Vice President of the Tennessee State Conference NAACP. As Vice President, Mr. Savage works very closely with the State President Gloria J. Sweet-Love, other State Officers and Unit leadership across the state, region and nation to implement advocacy programs.
With Tom's assistance, the TN State Conference NAACP has strengthened its relationship with the Labor Com munity. Although, He is an official retired "Union Man", he maintains his strong connection with labor and always keeps the NAACP community and like-minded organizations updated on workers' rights and labor issues that impact our state and nation. In September 2023, Tom participated with United Auto Workers and the employees of General Motors at a Memphis distribution center. They joined UAW national campaign calling for new contract demands that included increase pay and to re-establish retiree medical benefits. In April of 2024, he also participated in the campaign where hourly workers at Volkswagen’s plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, overwhelming voted to join the United Auto Workers. This was a major breakthrough in the union’s effort to organize workers at plants nationwide.
NAACP National Labor Committee
Robin Williams, Chair
Ray Curry, Vice Chair
Kyra Mitchell, Vice Chair
Don Cash
Joseph Cotton
Claude Cummings
Rev. Dr. Theresa A. Dear
Kenny Diggs
George Gresham
Fedrick Ingram
Jabari Paul
Elizabeth Powell
Rebecca Pringle
Merwyn Scott
Regena Thomas
Michael T. Turner
LaChandra White
Yvonne White