NAACP mourns the loss of labor rights champion Bill Lucy
William “Bill” Lucy
(Photo/NAACP
WASHINGTON – NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, and National Board of Directors member Robin Williams released the following statement on the passing of William “Bill” Lucy. (Lucy died on September 25 in Washington, D.C. at the age of 90):
“With profound sadness, we honor the remarkable life and legacy of William “Bill” Lucy, a true champion of the labor movement and a steadfast advocate for social justice. For over four decades, Bill dedicated himself to uplifting workers’ rights, leaving an indelible mark on American labor and civil rights.
As the International Secretary-Treasurer of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) for nearly 40 years, Bill played a pivotal role in transforming the union, growing its membership from 200,000 to over 1.4 million. His commitment to inclusivity and equity was exemplified when he co-founded the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) in 1972, redefining the role of African Americans in labor unions.
Bill’s legacy is intertwined with some of the most monumental civil rights struggles of our time. He stood shoulder to shoulder with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and was a vital force in the fight against apartheid alongside Nelson Mandela. He co-founded the Free South Africa Movement, mobilizing grassroots support that played a crucial role in dismantling oppressive regimes. Following Mandela’s release, Bill led efforts to bring the leader on a tour of the United States, a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice and equality. He was also present during South Africa’s historic first post-apartheid elections, witnessing Mandela’s election as the country’s first Black president.
Bill’s influence extended beyond national borders. As the first African American president of Public Services International, he oversaw a global federation of 10 million members, advocating for workers’ rights on an international scale. His service on the AFL-CIO executive council and various civic boards, including the NAACP, further exemplified his dedication to civil rights and community empowerment. For his lifelong dedication to advocacy, Bill was the recipient of the NAACP Chairman’s Image Award, which is bestowed in recognition of individuals who demonstrate exemplary public service and use their distinct platforms to create agents of change.
Bill Lucy’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the enduring impact of his work. His commitment to living wages, healthcare benefits, and job safety will continue to inspire generations of workers and activists around the world.
In honoring William Lucy, we celebrate a life dedicated to the noble cause of labor and civil rights. May he be remembered in the ongoing fight for justice and equity for all.”
Statement from President Joe Biden on the passing of William “Bill” Lucy
“Bill Lucy was a courageous labor leader who dedicated his life bending the arc of history toward justice.
Of his seven decades as a giant in the movement, Bill spent nearly forty years as Secretary-Treasurer of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. He also founded the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. No matter the title or the place, he worked tirelessly to advance civil rights and labor rights for all Americans, changing the course of history and redeeming the soul of America.
His dedication led to increased benefits and protections for America’s public servants who keep our communities safe, care for the sick, and so much more.
A native of Memphis, Tennessee, he marched with Dr. King to secure the rights of sanitation workers. Bill’s decree, “I Am a Man,” shed light on the humanity of our Nation’s laborers and became a nationwide rallying cry for dignity and equality, two of our most sacred American values.
Over the course of his towering leadership, I saw Bill in action. He believed, like I do, that working class issues and civil rights issues are deeply intertwined, as he strengthened the role of Black Americans in our Nation’s unions and fought to dismantle apartheid in South Africa.
He will forever be remembered for his unrelenting commitment to justice, fairness, and equality — at home and abroad.
Jill and I send our love and condolences to his family, the labor movement he empowered, and every worker whose life he made better.
May God bless Bill Lucy, a great American, and a good man.”
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