AFT-Maryland is happy to share with you a new series from our state federation president. Marietta's Monthly Message is an opportunity for public employees across the state of Maryland to hear an important word from President English. These messages may at times be informative or uplifting but always timely and relevant. Here's President English's message for February 2021.
There’s an annual effort to mark the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday with an act of community service. The ongoing global pandemic made in-person service activities nearly impossible, but three Maryland unions representing public employees came together for a way to honor Dr. King with a worthwhile effort.
Each year presents the state federation with opportunities to serve members and help out in the community. Before meeting the opportunities of 2021, it’s worthwhile to look back at AFT-Maryland’s efforts from 2020.
This year has been challenging in ways that make it feel like an entire decade has passed by. That's why now, more than ever, it's important to pause to take inventory of the things we are thankful for. With so much hurt and pain socially, politically, and with health, now is the time to look toward the positive things that bring us joy. The quarantine has allowed us to spend more time at home with family.
AFT President Randi Weingarten today delivered a major address on the crisis hollowing out the teaching profession—massive disinvestment in public education and deprofessionalization. In her speech at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., she called for reinvestment and freedom to teach. It was followed by two panels featuring education leaders who laid out pragmatic solutions.
AFT President Randi Weingarten’s latest column outlines the urgency of using our voices—our votes—in this life-changing election, when we will make a choice “between President Donald Trump, who has trafficked in chaos, fear, lies and division, and former Vice President Joe Biden, who seeks to reverse Trump’s failures on COVID-19 and the economy, and to unite and uplift the American people.” Besides the four crises we face—a pandemic, an economic crisis, racism and a climate emergency—democracy itself is on the ballot, as Trump continues to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the election.
It is with deep sorrow AFT-Maryland shares the passing of Nat LaCour. Nat was a high school teacher in New Orleans and got his start as a union leader who was at the forefront of school integration in New Orleans. Additionally, Nat was the first Executive Vice President AFT and Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus of the national federation.
In her September New York Times column, AFT President Randi Weingarten says that going back to school has never looked like it does now. Weingarten explains that because of President Donald Trump’s response to the coronavirus, which has been chaotic, contradictory and inept, and the lack of federal guidance and funding, we’re seeing a patchwork of school reopening plans across the country.
AFT-Maryland joins a grateful and sad nation in mourning the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Affectionately known as "Notorious RBG" by supporters, Justice Ginsburg was a passionate advocate for working people and was most well known for her work to ensure gender equality.
This year Independence Day takes on a special meaning. Symbols can elicit complicated and nuanced feelings for different people. The “united” in the United States of America has been stressed in ways many of us are not used to. Our nation has been challenged on a number of fronts. This year, the two most visible fronts have been racism and public health.