October 5, 2007
 

Statement from the National African American Caucus of SEIU
By National President,  Marchel Smiley

Sadness covered the nation as the words spread of the passing of our brother Richard Price.  We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and our most sincere condolences.

Brother Price was instrumental in the establishment of not only the National African American Caucus (AFRAM) but other caucuses within SEIU.

 In 1993 Brother Price was elected interim president of the WCAAC and in 1994 was officially elected as the president, thereby becoming the first SEIU member of African decent elected as head of a caucus in SEIU.

 It is without doubt that without the contributions of Brother Price National caucuses within SEIU would not have been approved in 1996. 

In 2006 we were pleased to honor Brother Price by creating a scholarship for one AFRAM member to attend the UCLA Labor Center African American Institute annually in his honor.

 In addition to his work within SEIU, Brother Price was active in various community organizations, the A. Phillip Randolph Institute, and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. 

We thank God for allowing us the opportunity to work with and benefit from the work of our Bother Richard Price. 

Sincerely,

Marchel Smiley

National AFRAM President