AFRAM 2007 LEADERSHIP DEVELOPME

AFRAM 2007 LEADERSHIP
DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
A HUGE SUCCESS!

CONFERENCE THEME: “THE CHALLENGES WE FACE”
Quality Healthcare, Equal Justice, and Civic Participation

Wisconsin Conference Photos

Three-hundred thirty-three AFRAM members from 32 SEIU Locals accompanied by thirty-two guests and speakers convened at the Downtown Hyatt Regency Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, April 27 – 29, 2007 to attend the National African American Caucus (AFRAM) SEIU Biennial Leadership Development Conference. The Conference provided an opportunity for members to network, attend workshops and participate in meaningful discussions.

One hundred forty-six (146) SEIU members participated from the West.
Ninety-one (91) SEIU members participated from the East.
Eighty-eight (88) SEIU members participated from the Central Region.
Eight (8) SEIU members participated from the Southern Region.

CONFERENCE EVALUATION SURVEY RESULTS

We have collected and tallied the evaluation forms from the conference. Thanks to everyone who responded. 90% of you rated the overall success of the conference as either "very good" or "excellent." Many of you offered comments and suggestions regarding your experience:

“The conference was well planned, well organized and educational”.

“The conference should have started on Friday morning instead of Friday afternoon. It was excellent, but not long enough”. The food and hotel were great”!

“I really enjoyed networking with others to share successes, exchange ideas and discuss the challenges we face in the labor movement and in our communities”.

“How can we get members 30 and younger involved in AFRAM and connected in their communities”?

I enjoyed this conference best of all. Having a conversation about medical issues and the choir singing was fantastic…It was a black experience for black people”!

“Maybe a survey of member’s interest prior to the conference would be good”.

“The workshops were good but focused on an older generation. What about health problems that identify with a younger generation”?

“Yesterday’s presentation on prison sentencing disparities was informative but should have included how prison life affects families”.

MILWAUKEE CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

Friday, April 27^th

AFRAM conference attendees were welcomed by several prominent local politicians and activists. The list included (alphabetically):

-Tom Barrett, Mayor of Milwaukee

-Barbara Lawton, Wisconsin Lt. Governor

-Barbara Love, Chair CBTU

-Michael Mayo, Sr., County Supervisor

-Gwen Moore, U.S. Congresswoman, Dist. 4

-Marvin Pratt, Former Mayor of Milwaukee

-John Richards, State Representative

-Carol Stegall, Retired Correctional Officer

-Barbara Toles, State Representative

Town Hall Panel Discussion

After the welcome and opening remarks by Curtis Marshall, AFRAM Wisconsin Chapter President, a distinguished panel facilitated by Professor Randolph N. Stone, Clinical Professor of Law, University of Chicago Law School shared various views on prison sentencing disparities and the restoration of ex-convict voting rights. Panelists included (alphabetically):

-Renee Carwford, Asst. Driector ACLU

-Mary Harrell, Retired Correction Manager

-Wendall Harris, Wisconsin Conference NAACP

-Greg Williams, Asst. Exec. Director
Wisconsin Corrections

Opening Reception

The opening reception, held at America’s Black Holocaust Museum, provided members with James Cameron’s (founder) historical perspectives of the many injustices suffered by people of African Heritage in America. Alecia Treadmill, AFRAM Wisconsin, hosted the event. Entertainment was provided by Chris Crane and Company. The guest list included (alphabetically):

-Tom Bolanoff, President, SEIU Local 1

-Sheila Cochran, Secretary-Treasurer, Wisconsin AFL-CIO

-Tim Mahone, F.E. Regional Director, Governor’s Office

-Lena Taylor, State Senator

Saturday, April 28^th

General Session Called to Order

Rod Bashir, AFRAM Central Region President, called the General session to order. After the opening prayer and Black National Anthem, the spiritual and spectacular SEIU 79 Gospel Choir performed. Needless to say, the choir rocked the house!

“The Local 79 Gospel Choir is truly inspirational, and
deserves five stars for a flawless performance”.

SEIU President Andy Stern congratulated AFRAM on its ten years of existence and work within SEIU by video message. Rod Bashir acknowledged the presence of SEIU International Executive Board members:

-Gerry Hudson

-George Gresham

-Diane Palmer

-Rahaman Muhammad

Health Fair Extravaganza

The interactive Health Fair Extravaganza sponsored by our exhibitors provided awareness, education, and screening for health risks that are common among people of African descent, specifically diabetes and the many organ it affects.

Workshops

All of the health care workshops offered were well attended and provided up-to- date educational information to members.

“You Have the Power to End Kidney Disease”
Deidria Mundy-Washington, RN
Wisconsin Division of Health and Family Services

“Diabetes - The Eyes Have It”
John Ridley, M.D., Eye Surgeon

“Diabetes and Foot care”
Dr. Renee Settle-Robinson, D.M.P
Dr. Warren McIver, D.M.P
Cream City Medical Society

“Preventing Stroke and Heart Disease”
Kevin Izard, MD
Medical College of Wisconsin

Janice Carter, MD
Columbia-St. Mary’s Stroke Center

Saturday, April 28^th

Keynote Address

After an appetizing and satisfying lunch, keynote speaker, Dr. Evette Kincaid, presented an excellent educational initiative: “Diabetes in African American Communities, What You Need To Know To Survive”. Dr. Kincaid’s discussion summarized what to expect with a diagnosis of diabetes and how to break the vicious cycle that could make diabetes difficult to manage.

AFRAM Award Presentations

The Patricia Ann Ford Member Organizer and Member Political Organizer awards were presented to 16 activists, four from each AFRAM region.

Tyrone Freeman, President of SEIU local 6434, Los Angeles and Willie Hampton, President of SEIU Local 79, Detroit, both received the Presidential Award for their continuous and dependable support of AFRAM.

George Gresham (President-elect of 1199 UHW) was the honored recipient of the AFRAM Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his dedication, contributions, and many years of service to the labor movement and the community.

A special presentation was given to John (JJ) Johnson for his unwavering support of AFRAM since the caucus organized more than ten years ago.

International Presentation

Gerald Hudson, EVP, presented information on the “two million in 2008 campaign” as well as an overview on the work of the SEJ committee, preparing for the 2008 convention, and the Community Campaign efforts.

Regional Meetings

Each AFRAM region met to discuss overall priorities, new initiatives and regional organizing strategies. Each region was required to report on Sunday the results of their meeting.

The Western region held an election of officers for 2007 – 2009 term. (See the Western Region web page for election winners).

Chair	David Sanders	721
Treasurer	Angela Glasper	UHW
Secretary	Darlene White	1021
Recording Secretary	Quida Lewis
Chaplain	Paulette Simpson	99
Sgt. at Arms	Samuel Wylie, Dr	1021
Historian	Ella Raiford	UHW
Parliamentarian	Willie Harris	6434
Vice Chairs (8)	Sonya Askew	UHW
	Perry Whitner	1199
	Janeeva Oliver	6434
	Jessie Taylor	721
	Gladys Gray	1021
	Willie Denton	1000
	Helen Qualls	1021
	Ronald Gray	6434
Retiree Vice Chair	Norma Harvey	721

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWLY ELECTED OFFICERS!

Sunday, April 29, 2007

General Session

President Smiley called the session to order. John Johnson and Ruthie Johnson presented a special report on “Challenges Facing African American Trade Unionists”…

Panelists, Clayola Brown, National APRI President and Fred Mason, President, Maryland/DC, AFL-CIO shared their views on the importance of labor unions and the political landscape for African Americans.