Truth Talks series kicks off with Black History Month discussion

YSUT closed out the union’s recognition of Black History Month with the launch of “Truth Talks,” a dynamic virtual series dedicated to raising historical awareness. The series seeks to amplify the contributions of diverse communities that have been overlooked in traditional narratives.

“As a union representing educators, health care workers and other professionals, we believe that knowledge is power and that our collective strength grows when we acknowledge and honor the full scope of history,” NYSUT Secretary-Treasurer J. Philippe Abraham said in his opening remarks.

“Black History Month is not just about celebration; it is about truth-telling, recognition, and action,” Abraham said. ”The labor movement, civil rights movement, and the education system have all been profoundly shaped by Black leadership, and we must continue to uplift these contributions year-round.”

Calling on the expertise of NYSUT members, the Truth Talks series provides educators, students and community members with accurate, engaging and empowering historical content that deepens understanding and promotes inclusivity in education.

Alethia Jones, Ph.D., a member of the Professional Staff Congress, was the featured speaker for the debut discussion, “To Build a New World: The Intersection of Black Worker Struggles in the Quest for Universal Fairness.”

Jones, a distinguished lecturer in labor studies and director of civic engagement and leadership development at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, is a former education director at 1199SEIU. She noted that many teachings on Black history often gloss over — or ignore entirely — the influence of Black leaders on labor and the intersections with the Black freedom movement.

“I like to share with my students the full title of the (March on Washington) because the Jobs and Freedom part often gets left off,” Jones said, noting that the march was orginally proposed more than 20 years earlier in 1941 by A. Philip Randolph, legendary leader of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters.

The complex contributions of women have also largely been overlooked, Jones said, noting the importance of Dorothy Height, Fannie Lou Hamer and Coretta Scott King, who was a leader in her own right.

Cordelia Anthony, president of the Farmingdale Federation of Teachers and a member of the NYSUT Board, facilitated the discussion.

Upcoming talks include “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations” in March. April’s discussion will focus on Arab American history; May’s discussion will feature Asian American and Pacific Islanders and Jewish Heritage.

Learn more about the Truth Talks series and register for upcoming discussions at nysut.cc/truthtalks.

Truth Talks is an initiative from the NYSUT Members of Color Affinity and Action project and Many Threads, One Fabric. Learn more at nysut.org/socialjustice.