CBTU International President Calls for Peace in Ferguson, MI

Labor Leader Address Violence in Ferguson, MI

Statement of Rev. Terry Melvin

International President, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists

We are living once again through the tragic serial drama of America. It is the depressing reality TV we get exposed to every few months. Every episode is different in the details. The actors change, the location is different, the facts vary – but the theme remains the same. An unarmed colored youth (either black or brown) under the age of 18 is tragically murdered by an armed law enforcer. The enforcer can be a cop, a community watch advocate, or a zealot vigilante. That title of the law enforcer isn’t as important as the fact that they are offered a shroud of vindication for attempting to enforce laws. The victim is always unarmed, physically intimidating though still a minor, and engaged in some questionable behavior. The community is always outraged at the murder, committed to demanding justice, and routinely labeled as rioters.

This is the American narrative. As stated earlier, the actors change: from Trayvon Martin to Michael Brown. The law enforcer varies from police officer to vigilant citizen. The neighborhoods range from down south to mid-west. But the narrative is always the same. An unarmed youth is left dead, society vehemently picks sides, and nothing changes. From Trayvon to Michael what have we really learned as a society? What is different beyond the details? Families are still suffering, communities are torn apart, politicians have jostled for position, organizations have ramped up fundraising, and bodies keep coming. It is no longer enough to just ask about Ferguson, MI we have to ask about our society.

These violent incidences are no longer circumstantial. There have been too many for far too long for us to act as if this is unique. These are not isolated incidents; they are endemic results of a societal failure. We are failing our youth when we disregard their deaths. Black or white, big or little, when youth are murdered it is a tragedy. We still mourn Colombine for the deaths of all those kids in that school shooting. We never ask if any victims were physically intimidating, or deserving to be killed, or if they bullied the murderers. We mourned their loss because kids should not be killed. Sadly, when we remove the youth from the school and put them on the streets and change the killer from an unknown to a title we respect, that murder takes on a different shape. We no longer cry for the dead but instead demand evidence.

When our youth die we need to stop running to our camps. Cops need to stop blindly defending their own and the community needs to own up to its members behavior. We need to be honest and upfront. We need to stop seeing this as adversarial and treating it for what it is: a national tragedy. When the dust settles in Ferguson we will be left with a torn community but no lessons moving forward. We will cry for Michael while we wait for the next victim. This needs to stop. Communities need to take back control of their streets. Police need to remember they are community members first. Only cooperation will lead to salvation. No more dead bodies of our babies but rather babies being brought up by their community. We can do this. We have done this. It is time to stop picking sides and build one road for us all to walk down together.

Latest posts

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.