William Lucy (labor leader)

William Lucy at the Eugene V. Debs Dinner in Chicago, 1984

William Lucy is a prominent American labor leader and civil rights activist. He is best known for his work with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement.

Early Life and Education

William Lucy was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He attended local schools and later pursued higher education at the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied engineering.

Career

AFSCME

Lucy began his career with AFSCME in the 1960s. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the union's Secretary-Treasurer in 1972, a position he held until his retirement in 2010. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in expanding the union's membership and influence.

Civil Rights Movement

Lucy was deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement. He worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. and was a key figure in the Memphis sanitation strike of 1968, which was a pivotal event in the movement. The strike highlighted the poor working conditions and low wages of African American sanitation workers and led to significant changes in labor rights and civil rights.

Coalition of Black Trade Unionists

In 1972, Lucy co-founded the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), an organization dedicated to addressing the needs and concerns of African American workers. He served as the president of CBTU for many years, advocating for social and economic justice.

Legacy

William Lucy's contributions to labor rights and civil rights have had a lasting impact. He is widely respected for his leadership and dedication to improving the lives of workers and advancing the cause of racial equality.

Related Pages

• American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
• Civil Rights Movement
• Memphis sanitation strike
• Martin Luther King Jr.
• Coalition of Black Trade Unionists