Rev. Terry Melvin, recently re-elected Secretary-Treasurer of the New York State AFL-CIO and President of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) since 2012, spoke at the 2024 IAM Grand Lodge Convention.
“The day after Labor Day, a day that celebrates the work that we do to keep this country operated, and let’s not get it twisted or forget that this is a nation that’s built and sustained by working people,” said Melvin at the 41st Convention.
Melvin is a long-time friend of the IAM and has dedicated his life to addressing the concerns of Black workers and their communities. He encouraged delegates to reinvigorate their enthusiasm in the fight for working people as more and more marginalized workers rise up for justice and equality.
“The idea of working people standing together against the wealth will never be accepted because of a threat to power. We challenge the status quo,” said Melvin. “The legacy of this movement is all about struggle, commitment, and solidarity. Honoring the past is holding on to the bonds we built in the fight for justice. We are an unstoppable force that moves the unmovable, and we have to hold on to these victories.”
Melvin encouraged attendees to look for opportunities to connect with community members who share their values and to work together to restore power to the people.
“Nothing is given No gain is guaranteed. No Victory is cemented,” said Melvin. “We can lose everything if we don’t continue to fight, because when we fight we win!”
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