CUPE Ontario mourns the death of the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a towering voice for civil rights, economic justice and human dignity. A protégé of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and a two-time presidential candidate, Jackson spent his life organizing and building coalitions that challenged systems of oppression that treat working people as disposable. His work continues to inspire us in Canada and around the world.
“Jesse Jackson spent his life turning hope into power,” said Fred Hahn, president of CUPE Ontario. “He challenged racism, poverty and exploitation head-on, and he never let those in power pit communities against each other. His legacy is a reminder that civil rights and workers’ rights are the same fight – and that solidarity is how we win.”
Jackson’s passing comes during Black History Month. This year’s theme is “Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” CUPE Ontario is proud of the Black leaders and members in our schools, hospitals, social services, municipalities, universities, child care and so many other public services. These members work relentlessly to make those services stronger and more equitable.
That work is also reflected in CUPE Ontario’s Anti-Racism Organizational Action Plan (AROAP), our roadmap to identify and dismantle systemic racism in our union, remove barriers to participation, and confront anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism in our workplaces and communities.
“As we honour Jesse Jackson’s legacy during Black History Month, we also lift up the Black members of CUPE Ontario who lead in our workplaces and our communities,” said Yolanda McClean, secretary-treasurer of CUPE Ontario. “Their leadership, courage and care are shaping a better future — and we, like them, will never stop fighting to confront anti-Black racism until we win real change.”
CUPE Ontario mourns the death of the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a towering voice for civil rights, economic justice and human dignity. A protégé of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and a two-time presidential candidate, Jackson spent his life organizing and building coalitions that challenged systems of oppression which treat working people as disposable. His work continues to inspire us in Canada and around the world.
“Jesse Jackson spent his life turning hope into power,” said Fred Hahn, president of CUPE Ontario. “He challenged racism, poverty and exploitation head-on, and he never let those in power pit communities against each other. His legacy is a reminder that civil rights and workers’ rights are the same fight – and that solidarity is how we win.”
