Detroit Teachers, Macomb Locals Give Away 40,000 Books Gilchrist and De Jesus Participate
This past Saturday the Detroit Federation of Teachers and our Macomb County locals distributed 40,000 books to educators, parents and students as part of the AFT’s Reading Opens the World program, done in conjunction with First Book. AFT Executive Vice President Evelyn de Jesus and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist participated with the book distribution. To date, AFT affiliates have distributed 830,000 books across the country. DFT Executive Vice President Lakia Wilson led the Detroit effort, while Macomb K-12 local presidents distributed books at two sites in the county. Giving away books is always important work that helps our students and further connects us with our communities. It’s especially poignant at this time when some in our nation want to ban books, while we give books away.
We Lost a Giant
Pat Daly, a longtime Dearborn Teachers activist through his career and in his retirement, passed away at the age of 91. Pat taught social studies at Edsel Ford High School and was an outstanding teacher, a dedicated professional, and an articulate spokesman for teachers and other working people. He was actively involved with the Dearborn Fed of Teachers, and he brought recognition and regard to the local union at the national level, serving for twenty-two years as a vice-president of the American Federation of Teachers.
Upon his retirement from the union, Pat was recognized by then-AFT President Albert Shanker “for the intelligence and warmth that have made him a great teacher of students of all ages, for his inspired leadership on professional issues throughout the AFT, and for his unwavering commitment to his belief that teacher professionalism and teacher unionism are inextricably linked.” Following his retirement from teaching, Pat was instrumental in forming the Retirees’ Chapter of Local 681, which he co-chaired with Karl Yokie for a number of years.
I had the honor of knowing Pat in his retirement, seeing him at the AFT Michigan Retiree Network and when working on progressive caucuses. He was a wonderful man and a true trade unionist.
A memorial tribute to Pat will take place on Saturday, October 22, at 11:00 a.m.. in the chapel at Allegria Village (formerly Henry Ford Village), 15101 Ford Road, Dearborn.) A celebration of Pat’s life will follow from 12:30 – 3:00 p.m., at Roman Village, 9924 Dix Ave, Dearborn. If you are planning to attend, please notify Pat’s nephew, Brian Daly, at brian.daly.sdca@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts in Pat’s honor be made to the International Rescue Committee at www.rescue.org/donate or by mail at P.O. Box 6068, Albert Lea, MN 56007-9847.
AFT Michigan Members Canvass for Kildee in Flint
On Saturday morning, AFT Michigan activists, joined by the MEA, canvassed in Flint, MI for Congressman Dan Kildee, Governor Whitmer and other endorsed candidates. We were joined by Kildee to kick off the walk. Thanks to all who canvassed giving your time to elected candidates who support all members.
Credit Union Workers Stand Strong in Taylor
Members of the Federation of Credit Union Employees (local #4437) met on October 4 to share updates and make plans to keep their union strong at the Total Community Credit Union in Taylor. Kudos to President Janine Wilson for her steadfast leadership and commitment to engaging members!
Contribute to the AFT Michigan PAC Today
AFT Michigan fights for our members, students and communities all year round and we need your help. Can you donate $1 a week to aid us in this fight? Please visit the AFT Michigan website to contribute and make a big difference in protecting public education and building a better Michigan future!
In solidarity
David Hecker
President
