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Attendees rose for a beautiful rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
On February 25th, the Inland Empire Black Worker Center and the Inland Empire Labor and Community Center (IELCC) held their annual “Voices of Justice” event. This event highlights the Black Labor History of the Inland Empire, honoring the regional contributions of Black workers.
This year’s “Voices of Justice” included a discussion panel with Black labor leaders and a presentation of research pertinent to Black residents of the Inland Empire. Prior to the program’s start, there was dinner and a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Often called “The Black National Anthem,” the song was written by leader of the NAACP James Weldon Johnson.
All present were celebrating Black History that has already been made, and that will continue to be made.
Director of the IELCC and former President of SEIU 721 Cheylynda Barnard addressed the room as she began the night’s agenda. Shortly after, attendees rose to hear the “Black National Anthem.” Shortly after, the presentation of research began.
The research portion discussed “occupational segregation” in the Inland Empire. This term is used to describe when a demographic group is overrepresented in a particular type of work. According to UCR IELCC’s State of Work report, released in February of 2024, Black and Latinx workers as well as foreign born workers are over-represented in Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics, of which only managers (not supervisors) make enough to sustain a family of 4.
Moderator Etisyai Hinton and Director of Policy and Strategy for the IELCC Chuy Flores
Panel Highlights
Following the research, Cheylynda introduced the panel as well as moderator Etisyai Hinton. The panel guests were introduced one-by-one. They were:
- DeJonaé Shaw, licensed vocational nurse and member of USW 7600
- Simboa Wright, Vice President of SEIU 721
- Eddie Thomas, Political Coordinator of SEIU 721
- Desmond Prescott, District 3 Chair of UDW
Panelists responded to a series of questions related to their personal contributions to Black Labor History, and key lessons to take into the future. There were several notable moments and quotes from each of these strong leaders.
(Right to left) Desmond Prescott, Eddie Thomas, DeJonaé Shaw, Simboa Wright, and Ricardo Cisneros listening to remarks.
Simboa Wright
Simboa Wright mentioned how growing up as a foster kid, everyone that cared for him was a union member, teachers, nurses, and social workers. He was raised by labor, so it’s natural that he would enter the world of labor. Reflecting on his years of work, Simboa rallied everyone to build coalitions. His reason for this was the SEIU 721’s successful involvement in the 1000 Strong Campaign in Los Angeles. The campaign aims to get 1000 good, union jobs, for Black Angelenos.
“We stand on the shoulders of William Bill Lucy, we stand on the shoulders of A. Philip Randolph!”
Simboa is focused on driving positive change in all aspects. Politically, he wants unions to put true champions in office, who think outside of the box. Materially, he wants more Black people in low wage jobs to either form a union or join one. He mentioned increasing the amount of apprenticeships and the Targeted Local Hire program in the City of LA, and how it could be replicated in our region. The program, made with SEIU 721, is designed to train the next generation of civil servants, with 6 months of vocational training and 6 months of civil service probation.
Simboa wants everyone to know they have a role to play whether you’re union, non-union, rank-and-file, or a union leader. This is why he supports raising the wages of fast food workers. He believes it brings up the community as a whole, and will raise everyone’s wages. Speaking to young Black workers who would like to be more involved, he reiterated his message of coalition building, saying: “Step up to the plate and be a part of the solution. Form coalitions to build for the Inland Empire.”
Eddie Thomas
Eddie Thomas mentioned how his journey to organized labor was different than other panelists, and gives him a unique perspective as a result. He got into unions through being involved in politics, holding a keen political analysis as a result. With insight on local politics, he also spoke of the need to ensure public sector unions get their fair share of the revenue that comes back to the city, council, state. Eddie underscored how important it is to not just win, but to consolidate those wins, and continue to defend them.
With mind to more wins, Eddie looked to a future that could be built in the Inland Empire. He wants to make sure that organizers and shop stewards can scale themselves into leadership positions. This means inside of unions and in the political realm, where new people can make change. This leadership development will begin with a worker-to-organizer pipeline. Organizers will be from the same communities that they’re organizing, and they can genuinely relate to workers.
“Seek out mentorship.”
Maintaining his belief in meaningful policy for workers, Eddie wants to see stronger worker protections on the job, especially with the high rate of injuries and discrimination against Black workers.
Eddie said the time for organizing is now, looking to the near future, referencing a candidate “in our own backyard” who announces his run for governor. He expanded on why this will be important for our region, “The Inland Empire is going to be ground zero for the testing of messaging.” Continuing on with the message of organizing, he concluded saying: “We do stand on the shoulders of giants. We must learn to organize with humility. We must be willing to learn from those before us.”
DeJonaé Shaw
DeJonaé Shaw is a longstanding advocate for organized labor and the working class as a whole. This advocacy comes from her life experiences in addition to the influence of her family. Growing up, she had family members who were part of the Black Panther Party and encouraged her to stand up for herself and others, even if there is fear. These beliefs only grew after she became a nurse in a non-union nursing home and saw her safety concerns go ignored.
Prior to being in a union 14 years ago, DeJonaé made 9 dollars an hour at that nursing home. Overnight she received an over 130% increase in pay amid benefits when she began working at a unionized hospital. She emphasized that these benefits come because of collective bargaining, and unfortunately this caliber of workplace wasn’t available for all across the Inland Empire.
“A lot of days we feel less hopeful than others. We aren’t alone in that. It is because of those who came before us and their sacrifices, that we have what we have today. We cannot let their sacrifices be in vain.”
DeJonaé pointed to how unique her experience was, as there’s a prominent lack of resources and workplace benefits across the Inland Empire. This absence hurts all, but specifically Black residents who face more obstacles in the region. She emphasized the need for conditions to improve for all, and how the historic struggles of Black Americans have raised conditions for everybody. She quoted the phrase “a rising tide lifts all boats” and emphasized that across groups, “We are so much stronger together.“
In terms of policy, DeJonaé advocated for a stronger Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in addition to more anti-retaliation measures. Stronger whistleblower protections and protections against retaliation would protect all workers, and Black workers specifically from discrimination. She supported stronger education about these protections and apprenticeship programs for students before they enter the workforce, stating: “One cannot be what they cannot see.”
Speaking to young people she said: “The Union is you. We’re gonna need more people to galvanize and lead the movement.”
Attendees gathered for discussion prior to the night’s program.
Desmond Prescott
Desmond’s perspective was one rooted in empathy, and in the hard work that all caregivers do everyday. Now an IHSS worker representing UDW, he spoke of his journey to his position. Desmond mentioned a pivotal moment, where as a rank-and-file member Ricardo Cisneros encouraged him to attend a rally years ago. He couldn’t remember what was said at the rally, but that feeling of being united and empowered drove him to get more involved on all levels.
He underscored the history of Black people being exploited for their labor in the United States broadly, mentioning the link between slavery and domestic work. Doug Moore, Executive Director of UDW, also mentioned this in his Labor of Love interview. Expanding on his point, Desmond also pointed out that in the Inland Empire there are inequities that lead to Black people being forced to work in low-paying, unsafe jobs, or face complete destitution.
Step into your power and know your history.
Desmond feels that unions could empower and reach Black workers in low wage sectors through education, personal development, and inspiration. He also pointed to policy changes. These include raising the minimum wage to a livable wage and more robust anti-discrimination laws, which catch subtle discrimination.
Answering a question about inspiration, Desmond Prescott mentioned that he takes a great deal of inspiration from turtles. A silence fell over the crowd as they waited for him to continue. “What does he mean?” After a short pause, he continued. “I know they move slow. However, they’re hard on the outside, but they’re soft on the inside…” The crowd understood — but he wasn’t done. “And they’re willing to stick their necks out. We have to have that type of courage. We have to have that type of resilience, to stick our necks out for something we believe in.“
His call-to-action for the community was to “Get involved. Step outside of your comfort zone and get involved.”
Concluding the night
The IELCC team was present, greeting attendees and signing all in.
As the panel concluded to loud applause, the panelists walked back to their seats. Cheylynda thanked them in addition to the entire team of the IELCC and the Black Workers’ Center. Following this she thanked the crowd. Lastly, the Office of Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes presented both the IELCC and the IEBWC with Certificates of Recognition for the work that went into creating the event, and its success.
We look forward to the next event celebrating Black Labor History. Thank you to DeJonaé, Simboa, Eddie, Desmond, and both the IE Black Worker Center and the IELCC for this great event!
