IFPTE Mourns the Loss of Labor and Civil Rights Icon, Bill Lucy
Brother Lucy helped lead the historic 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike
WASHINGTON, DC – The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) family was saddened to learn of the passing of labor and civil rights icon, Brother Bill Lucy. Brother Lucy sadly passed away yesterday at the age of 90.
Former IFPTE president, Paul Shearon, along with IFPTE’s executive officers, offered their condolences.
Paul Shearon: “Bill Lucy was a guiding compass for the American labor movement lighting the path on issues of discrimination and racism. He dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of workers across the globe, especially those who were neglected and abused. His unwavering commitment to social justice and equity made him a powerful advocate for change. Bill inspired countless workers to join the struggle for equal rights and a fairer workplace.”
IFPTE president, Matt Biggs: “Bill Lucy’s legacy as trade unionist, civil rights leader, and human rights advocate will live on well beyond his passing. Having witnessed his advocacy and leadership first-hand over the years, I saw how he inspired those of us in the labor movement and anyone who believed in and fought for social justice for all people. Whether it was leading the historic Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike in 1968 or his instrumental role in ending apartheid in South Africa, Bill Lucy was always on the front lines of fighting for justice. The IFPTE family admires and thanks him for making our nation and world a better place. We offer our deepest condolences to him, his family, and his Union, AFSCME.”
IFPTE secretary-treasurer, Gay Henson: “Bill Lucy served the members of AFSCME as Secretary-Treasurer for nearly four decades and was a member of AFSCME for almost six decades, having helped to form a Union when he was employed by the city of Costra County in 1953. Brother Lucy was also an original co-founder of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) and a leader in the national and international labor movements. IFPTE pays much respect to him for his contributions to our nation and our labor movement and mourns his loss.”
During the historic Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike in 1968, Bill Lucy and Rev. James Lawson coined the famous slogan, ‘I AM A MAN’, which was embraced by the workers and public, was inscribed on the picket signs of striking workers, and remains a rallying cry for workers today. He retired as AFSCME secretary-treasurer in 2010 after 38 years in the position, at which time he urged AFSCME and our labor movement to continue the fight for social justice. See AFSCME’s statement about his passing here.
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