CBTU Celebrates 55th International Annual Convention in Atlanta

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) proudly celebrated its 55th International Annual Convention under the powerful theme:

“Cherish Our Legacy and Bend to No One!”

With the rallying cry “Racism Won’t Win! Hands Off My Vote!”, more than 1,000 CBTU members from across the country gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, to strengthen our movement, build solidarity, and advance the fight for economic and social justice.

The South Florida CBTU Chapter was proudly represented by 24 members who participated in convention workshops, leadership development opportunities, and discussions on the critical issues facing working families and communities.

Inspiring Keynote Speakers

Convention attendees heard from an outstanding lineup of labor, political, and community leaders, including:

Rev. Terrance Melvin, CBTU International President
Stacey Abrams, Political Leader and Voting Rights Advocate
Lee Saunders, President, AFSCME
Claude Cummings, President, Communications Workers of America (CWA)
Jonathan Smith, President, American Postal Workers Union (APWU)
Judy Beard, Legislative and Political Director, APWU
Antonio Lewis, Atlanta City Council Member
Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer, AFL-CIO
Eric Richardson, President, Georgia AFL-CIO
Dr. Everett Kelley, National President, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)

Educational Workshops and Leadership Development

Members participated in a variety of informative workshops focused on strengthening leadership skills and advancing worker advocacy, including:

Don’t Let Robert Rule You! – Understanding Robert’s Rules of Order
Civic Engagement
Skill Building and Leadership Development
Mental Health Updates for Our Communities
New Voices, Same Fight: Rising Power by Under-40 Leaders

A special highlight of the convention was a performance by Fed Ingram, Secretary-Treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), who entertained attendees with a saxophone performance during the Men’s Breakfast.

South Florida Member Receives National Recognition

The South Florida Chapter proudly celebrates Markia Johnson, Chapter Treasurer and Under-40 Leader, who was honored with CBTU’s prestigious National Rising Star Award in recognition of her leadership, activism, and commitment to building the next generation of labor leaders.

Expanding the Global CBTU Family

The convention also marked a historic milestone as CBTU welcomed its newest chapter in Nigeria, Africa, further expanding the organization’s international reach and strengthening solidarity among workers worldwide.

As we reflect on 55 years of advocacy, activism, and empowerment, CBTU remains committed to protecting voting rights, fighting racial and economic injustice, and uplifting working people everywhere.