AGITATE. EDUCATE. ACTIVATE.
The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) Black and Racialized Workers Committee and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) are marking Black History Month and celebrating African liberation by launching the seventh annual Legacies of Labour and Community Activism poster series.
This series honours the historical achievements of African and Black Canadians while highlighting the ongoing contributions of Black activists in the labour movement and beyond.
As we head into a pivotal provincial election, the fight for justice, equity, and workers’ rights is more urgent than ever.
Recognizing Yolanda McClean
Yolanda McClean is the President of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, a Vice-President of the Ontario Federation of Labour, and made history when she became the Secretary-Treasurer of CUPE Ontario—the first Black woman to do so. She is known in the broader labour movement for her tireless leadership on Black issues in workplaces and the community.
Yolanda’s unwavering commitment to equity has set a powerful and inspiring example for us all. Her advocacy for racial justice, worker empowerment, and systemic reform within CUPE, the broader labour movement, and beyond demonstrates the impact of strong leadership rooted in solidarity and action.
Yolanda leads CUPE Ontario’s Anti-Racism Organizational Action Plan (AROP) and Women in Leadership Development (WILD), develops activists for leadership, and was among the first in labour to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
As we approach the provincial and federal elections, let us amplify voices and examples like Yolanda’s, hold candidates accountable to addressing anti-Black racism, and fight for policies that strengthen labour protections and create opportunities for all workers to thrive.
This month, let’s honour her leadership by committing to the collective action needed to drive meaningful change in our workplaces, communities, and at Queen’s Park.
Download the 11×17 printable poster
Download the 8.5×11 printable poster
TAKE ACTION: AGITATE, EDUCATE, ACTIVATE, & VOTE
This election, workers must unite at the ballot box to demand better. Take action in your union, workplace, and community by joining leadership and educational opportunities through the Power of Many and CBTU at thepowerofmany.ca and CBTU.ca.
Attend workshops on:
- Anti-racism, inclusion, diversity, and equity
- Environmental racism and economic justice
- Leadership development and political organizing
Hold your elected officials accountable. Contact your MP, MPP, and school trustee to demand policies that:
- Protect and strengthen public health care and education
- Enforce real rent control and invest in affordable housing
- Ensure fair wages and good jobs for all workers
- Make corporations and the wealthy pay their fair share
- Stop price gouging- affordable groceries, gas, and basic goods
- Keep schools and healthcare public- no more privatization schemes
Vote for the Ontario We Need! Get involved with election mobilization efforts and plan your vote for this provincial election at thepowerofmany.ca.
This Black History Month, and every month, we must agitate, educate, and activate to build a future where justice, equity, and workers’ power lead the way.
