AFSCME in Chicago – Day 2

by   |  August 08, 2006

Led by actor, activist, former union organizer and card-carrying union member Jimmy Smits – AFSCME kicked off its 37th International Convention yesterday. Smits emceed the opening program with great energy, warmth and of course solidarity. The program was punctuated by a powerful speech by hometown Senator Barak Obama, who received a thunderous welcome from the crowd. Check out the AP photo of Senator Obama and Smits greeting each other backstage. AFSCME President McEntee set the tone for the upcoming week with remarks on the crisis confronting working people and called on delegates to fight anti-worker corporations and politicians by approving the 21st Century Initiative – the union’s “bold, new plan” for change. Today delegates will debate, deliberate and decide on the future of AFSCME when they consider key measures of the 21st Century Initiative. The nearly 6,000 convention attendees will hear from President McEntee, whose keynote address will no doubt fire up the hall with the charge for change. After the 21st Century Initiative is first discussed, we’ll have what we expect will be rousing speeches from special guests Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and leading progressive talk radio personality Ed Schultz. If you haven’t heard Ed, check out his website for a list stations around the country that carry his show or to subscribe to his podcast.