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2009 Convention Theme and Official Call
2009 Convention Theme and Official Call
It is with extreme pleasure to issue the Official Convention Call for the 38th International Convention of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, May 20- 25, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. This is a time of great thanksgiving. The theme for this convention is "NOW IS THE FUTURE."
Today we embark on a sea of change for this country. With the election of Barack Obama as our next President, you have rejected the outrageous policies of the last administration. CBTU was instrumental throughout the country with volunteers giving their time to this very special election. History has been made and the CBTU Executive Council would like to thank you for your participation in this event, however large or small.
Voters across these United States came out in numbers never before seen. There was a clear message they wanted change. And change we did get. The negative campaigning, the outright lies, the attack ads and all the tricks were not enough to sway the voters away from this historic moment. Congratulations to each and every one of you on a job well done. Last year you were tasked with getting new voters registered, educating them on the issues, participate in phone banks, knock on doors and whatever was necessary to make this past election cycle successful. You did that and more. CBTU cannot thank you enough. Give yourselves a resounding applause.
Now we must focus on helping the new administration deliver on its campaign promises. We will be concentrating this convention around what our communities, our schools, and our working families need to be viable again. We must do our part in letting those in power that can effect change hear our voices. There will be workshops on leadership training, community organizing, empowerment, and how to deliver messages where they need to be delivered. Of course there will be those standards that will not change. There will be the National Women's Conference, Sunday worship, C.A.R.A.T. Conference, Retirees' Conference, Youth Conference and many other functions.
But our focus, as stated is to make our voices heard as never before. The election has been won, now is not the time to disappear. It is still critical to be engaged so that our hard fought battle was not in vane.
Hopefully you will enjoy this convention. There will be plenty to keep you busy and entertained, But, let us not forget the true mission ahead. Let us keep up the fight for justice, let us be the voice of reason, let us go where we have never gone before. "NOW IS THE FUTURE".
1n Solidarity,
William Lucy
President
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(Français ci-dessous / French below)
Hello CBTU members and allies,
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) – Canada is reaching out because we know you share our commitment to justice, equity, and historical truth.
On March 25, 2026, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans a crime against humanity. 123 voted in favour and 3 against. Canada abstained and has declined to issue an apology despite repeated House of Commons Petitions.
That abstention was a choice and it sent a message to the 1.5 million Black Canadians who live with the consequences of that history every day.In recognition of Emancipation Day on August 1st, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU)-Canada has launched a national campaign calling on the federal government to formally apologize for Canada's role in the trafficking and enslavement of Africans.
Here is how you can help right now:
1- Email your MP using our template
2- Share this campaign with your networks and members
The UN has declared this the Second Decade of People of African Descent. Canada must not sit on the sidelines of history—again.
In solidarity,
The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists - Canada
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Le Canada doit composer avec le rôle qu’il a joué dans la traite des Africaines et Africains réduits en esclavage
Bonjour, membres et alliés de la CBTU.
La section canadienne de la Coalition des syndicalistes noirs (CBTU-Canada) vous demande de l’aider parce qu’elle sait que vous partagez son engagement à l’égard de la justice, de l’équité et de la vérité historique.
Le 25 mars 2026, l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies a adopté une résolution déclarant que la traite des Africaines et Africains réduits en esclavage est un crime contre l’humanité. 123 pays ont voté en faveur et 3 ont voté contre. Le Canada s’est abstenu et a refusé de publier des excuses malgré les pétitions présentées à la Chambre des communes à maintes reprises à cette fin.
L’abstention du Canada était délibérée et transmettait un message aux 1,5 million de Canadiennes et Canadiens noirs vivant au quotidien avec les conséquences de cette page d’histoire.
Pour marquer le Jour de l’émancipation le 1er août, CBTU-Canada a lancé une campagne nationale incitant le gouvernement fédéral à présenter des excuses officielles au sujet du rôle qu’a joué le Canada dans la traite et la réduction en esclavage d'Africaines et d’Africains.
Voici ce que vous pouvez faire dès maintenant pour l’aider :
1- Envoyez un courriel à votre députée ou député fédéral à l’aide de notre modèle :
2- Faites connaître cette campagne à vos réseaux et membres
L’ONU proclame la deuxième Décennie internationale des personnes d’ascendance africaine. Le Canada ne doit pas rester sur la touche de l’histoire—encore une fois.
En toute solidarité,
La section canadienne de la Coalition des syndicalistes noirs (CBTU-Canada)
CBTU Canada recognizes Juneteenth as a powerful milestone in the ongoing journey toward freedom, marking June 19, 1865, commemorates the arrival of Union troops in Galveston, Texas, who announced the Confederacy's defeat and enforced freedom for enslaved people in the state and the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation
As we honour Juneteenth, we also recognize August 1st, Emancipation Day in Canada, a time to reflect on the legacy of slavery in our own history and the enduring strength, resistance, and contributions of Black communities.
The struggle for freedom, racial justice, and equity transcends borders. As educators, activists, and community leaders, we stand together in collective solidarity, committed to challenging anti-Black racism and building a future where justice, dignity, and opportunity are realized for all.
In solidarity,
CBTU Canada
