On Feb. 5, the UFCW International celebrated Black History Month with its annual program, which centered around the theme “A Century of Black History: Remembering, Reflecting, Renewing.”
The event featured remarks from attorney and political commentator Bakari Sellers, as well as a poetry presentation by attorney and poet Dana Weekes. UFCW International President Milton Jones and Director of the Civil Rights and Community Action Department LaQuita Honeysucker opened the program. UFCW International Secretary-Treasurer Shawn Haggerty also attended.
“Black History Month is not only about the past,” Jones said. “It is about how history lives in the present—on the shop floor, in grocery aisles, in warehouses, meatpacking plants, pharmacies, and food processing facilities across this country. It is about how the struggles, victories, and resilience of Black workers continue to shape the labor movement and the lives we live today.”
Honeysucker emphasized the lasting impact of Black history on the labor movement.
“Black history is deeply intertwined with U.S. history,” she said. “Today, we remember the pioneers who opened doors that were once closed and renew our commitment to building a labor movement that is resilient.”
Sellers addressed the current political climate and its connection to Black History Month, encouraging attendees to reflect on both progress and future challenges.
“Ask yourselves these questions: How far have we come, and where do we go from here?” Sellers said. He highlighted the lives of civil rights leaders George Elmore and Sarah Mae Flemming to illustrate that, while progress has been made, much work remains.
“When asking where we go from here, we have to do three things,” Sellers added. “First, learn how to dream with your eyes open. Second, rededicate yourself to loving your neighbor—even when they don’t love you. And lastly, give yourselves more grace and practice giving that to others, as well.”