AFTers recall the 1963 March on Washington
The task remains unfinished
 

In recognition of the 40th anniversary of the March on Washington, American Teacher asked current and former AFT leaders for their thoughts on the state of civil rights today. Here are some of their responses.

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“The need for continued action on civil rights is very apparent. We have not reached the stage yet where every person is judged by the content of his or her character or by [the person’s] ability to get the job done. As long as we have those who are spreading misinformation about the need for affirmative action, we are going to have to continue to mobilize to combat racial inequalities and other injustices.”

—Bill Simons, a former AFT vice president,
participated in the 1963 March on Washington

“Fighting for civil rights is a proud part of AFT’s history and culture, and there are a number of things that the union’s civil and human rights committee is trying to tackle, including the minority achievement gap, teaching tolerance for diversity and workers’ rights. These are issues that Dr. King and others marched [for] and that we continue to help AFT locals deal with.”

—Ruby Newbold, chair
AFT Civil and Human Rights Committee

“Most of my students are in their 20s, and many of them believe the civil rights movement is over—that it ended with the shooting of Dr. King. I tell them that it’s not over, and that it’s still about equal opportunity.

“Unions have safeguarded the prosperity working families have always had. There’s been a turning back, and the ability of unions to protect working families is tenuous. Most African-Americans are working class. So their interest is often the same as that of unions, and vice versa.”

—Derryn Moten, co-president
Alabama State University Faculty Staff Alliance

“As a college student, I went to the 1963 March on Washington where I was privileged to walk with thousands of others who shared what has become known as ‘The Dream’ of a nation that could reach the goal of equality for all. It was the civil rights movement that was the galvanizing political force for my generation.

“Much progress has been made in many areas in the years following, but ‘The Dream’ remains unattained. But just as it was there at the center of the organizing of that great march, I am convinced that organized labor will be there when our goal of equality for all is reached.”

—John Murphy, executive vice-president
University Professionals of Illinois

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