Region 1 Conference in New Jersey Well Attended

A delegation of 19 members were in attendance at the Region 1 Conference out of an approximate 120 total participants. Marie Clarke-Walker, Isabelle Miller, Holmann Richard, and Chris Wilson were all speakers/panellists bringing the Canadian perspective to the Women's, Men's, and Strategy sections of the conference. Yolanda McLean and Megan Whitfield assisted newly-acclaimed first-ever female Region 1 Director Sharon Lovelady-Hall with her Leadership workshop. Hans-Woosly Balan, Pierre-Richard Joseph and Holmann Richard arrived ready to man our fundraising booth, but unfortunately the border patrol denied our Chapter access to carry our promotional goods across the border so there was no chapter fundraising done this time. Thanks to Andrea McCormack for making the attempt to transport our goods, and next time, we may have to ask you to show a little leg:) Kidding!

Speaking of a little leg, a big thank you goes out to the South Jersey chapter for their excellent hosting of the Regional conference. They provided excellent entertainment on the opening night with singing and lip-singing acts from talented labour women supporting their chapter. A night many will not soon forget, and will have some digging in the crates for their Tina Turner albums! A special congratulations goes out to the entire acclaimed executive body of Region 1. It was sad to see Terry go as Regional Director, but Sharon will most definitely be kicking butt and taking names! When the members hand in all pictures, videos, blurbs etc we will put up a report on the Web site and videos on our YouTube channel.

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CBTU Membership Newsletter November 1, 2025

November 1st, 2025

Greetings, CBTU Family:

As we reflect on this challenging season, we are reminded of the strength and solidarity that define our movement. Across Canada and throughout the African diaspora, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) remains a collective voice for justice, equity, and unity.

This issue of our newsletter is dedicated to our brothers and sisters in Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti and all the countries affected by Hurricane Melissa, and to our students pursuing higher education through CBTU scholarship opportunities. We extend gratitude to all members, allies, and communities who continue to lift one another during difficult times.

STATEMENT FROM THE COALITION OF BLACK TRADE UNIONISTS (CBTU) CANADA REGARDING THE IMPACT OF HURRICANE MELISSA IN JAMAICA

Friday October 31st, 2025

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Canada extends our deepest sympathy, solidarity, and support to the people of Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. We are holding close in our hearts all those who have suffered loss, displacement, and damage to their homes, communities, and essential services.

We especially acknowledge the emotional toll being felt by Jamaican families both on the island and here in Canada, as many continue to wait for information about the safety of loved ones due to widespread power outages and interruptions to telecommunications systems. To everyone living in uncertainty we see you, we stand with you, and we are praying alongside you.

Even in the face of hardship, the Jamaican spirit remains resilient, courageous, and rooted in community care. And just as Jamaica has always lifted nations with its culture, leadership, and unwavering strength, we now rally to lift Jamaica.

CBTU Canada strongly encourages members across the country to support organizations and initiatives currently involved in recovery and rebuilding efforts. Donations can also be made directly to the Government of Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief Donation Fund.

In Unity and Solidarity,

CBTU Canada Chapter Executive: President: Yolanda McClean, 1st Vice President Juanita Forde, 2nd Vice President Lineisha Bernard, Treasurer Christine Maclin, Recording Secretary Coleen Houlder, Communications Secretary Isabelle Miller, Communications & Social Media Officer Mark Brown, Membership Secretary Chris Campbell, Member At Large Mark Austin, Under 40 Representative Jordan Forde, Trustee Dennis Williams, Trustee Sharon Paris, Retiree Member Representative – Andrea McCormack

2025 CBTU Region One Conference

COALITION OF BLACK TRADE UNIONISTS TRI-STATE REGION 1 Conference

Sharon Lovelady-Hall, CBTU Region 1 Director Andrea McCormack, Secretary

Nina Manning, Treasurer

Ursula Howard, Women’s Committee Chair

Vacant, Men’s Committee Chair

LaNette Murphy, Youth Committee Chair Juanita Forde, Younger Workers Committee Chair

[email protected]

June 2025

Dear CBTU Brother and Sisters:

I am excited to announce that the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Annual Region 1 Conference will be held August 15-17, 2025, at Crowne Plaza Albany – The Desmond Hotel 660 Albany Shaker Road, Albany, NY 12211. Continuing the celebration of the International CBTU 54th Anniversary, our theme is also “Preserving and Building on Our Legacy: Unbought, Unbossed, Unstoppable.” The agenda will consist of education and information that will give us an opportunity to reflect on our power and influence in the labor movement and our communities in the fight for social and economic justice.