Known as the "father of Black history," scholar and activist Carter G. Woodson is credited with being the first person to call for and organize a designated time to promote and educate people about Black history and culture. In 1926, Woodson envisioned Negro History Week, a weeklong celebration in February to encourage the coordinated teaching of Black history in public schools. Sparked by protests of the Civil Rights Era, Negro History Week grew in popularity and, in the late 1960s, evolved into what is now known as Black History Month.

President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

SERJ welcomes everyone to rejoice in Lunar New Year in 2025. We embrace a time of renewal, reflection, and celebration. This vibrant festival, steeped in tradition, heralds the arrival of the Year of the Snake, symbolizing wisdom, intuition, and transformation. Families gather to honor their ancestors, share festive meals, and partake in joyful customs, from colorful dragon dances to the exchange of red envelopes filled with good wishes. This occasion not only marks the beginning of a new lunar calendar but also serves as a reminder of the importance of community, gratitude, and hope for prosperity in the year ahead. May this Lunar New Year bring peace, happiness, and abundance to all!

The Martin Luther King Holiday in 2025 is the 39^th anniversary of his birthday being a holiday. Ironically, when he was assassinated, he was 39 years old. The direction of the Civil Rights Movement was in transition since The Civil Rights Act of 1964. The first step was set, defining the why and what needed to happen, but realizing equality is still a moving target. A pivotal event in the labor movement for Black Americans happened in 1968. Over 1,000 Black sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee went on strike for the right to form a union. This strike was about more than earning equal pay as their White counterparts, this strike was also about dignity, and manhood. Bill Lucy, a high ranking Black official from the AFSCME unions is credited with coining the slogan “I Am a Man” which was adopted by the strikers. The slogan, "I Am a Man '' represented a distinctly gendered dispute over what it meant to be a man. This strike gained national attention resulting in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr being invited to speak at a rally in support of these Black men. The famous “Mountain Top” speech would be his last, Dr. King was assassinated the next day. Dr. King’s last message and final public words were in support of organized labor and how it was important for the quality of life for Black Americans. The Civil Rights Movement and the Labor Movement are aligned, Dr. King knew this, and the fight remains, the job is not done!

29ers,

As many of you are aware, devastating fires have impacted the Los Angeles area, leaving families, homes, and communities in need of urgent support. We are reaching out to ask for your help in providing relief to those affected.  Click on the link below to view the numerous resources and relief fund to donates and/or share this information.

Every bit helps, whether it's a donation, your time, or spreading the word. Your generosity can make a huge difference in the lives of those struggling through this crisis.

Fellow Californians thank you for your support during this difficult time. Together, we can rebuild and bring hope to our community.

With gratitude,

OPEIU 29

Los Angeles Wildfire Resources and Relief Funds - California Federation of Labor Unions