Greetings Brothers of the Mighty Third District,
While there is less to celebrate this Labor Day due to the economic havoc wrecked by COVID-19, we need to focus on what is required to bring a more positive reform into the lives of the Brotherhood.
Though Labor Day was officially declared a national holiday on June 28, 1894, celebrations of the holiday began more than a decade before. It’s a day to honor the deep commitment each of us has to serve the children we teach, the families we heal and the communities we love. It’s a day to reflect on the values we hold dear that every Brother should have access to a good job that can support a family, with access to affordable healthcare; that every child should be able to attend a high-quality public school in their neighborhood; that college should not be a luxury for the few but should be affordable for all; and that we should be able to retire with dignity after a lifetime of hard work, without worrying that we’ll be a burden to our loved ones.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has created havoc across countries and businesses, one segment that is among the most affected is the labor workforce. Job security has gained huge importance in times where nothing is certain. We, the working people built this country. We did it together, brick by brick, school by school, town by town. Through these collective efforts, we built the middle class, each generation did a little better than the one before, we advanced the ideals of equality and justice, and we expanded opportunity for all. Dr. King stated that, “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence”.
The work you do builds on this foundation. Your work has value. It should be respected and honored, not just on Labor Day but every day. Each Brother contributes to the collective success of our organization. Although it may seem strange to celebrate the value of labor by taking time off from work, these leisurely pursuits have long been regarded as fitting for a holiday meant to honor the “contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.”
Our families have history of fighting for worker’s rights, so I understand it’s your labor that has built this country and that continues to make it great. Our ancestors journeyed far for the economic opportunity. On this Labor Day weekend, I want you to know that you are in my family’s thoughts and prayers. We are thankful for each and every one of you and we appreciate all that you do. Thank you, Third District, for your work, your dedication and your commitment to the community and people you serve.
In Friendship,
Brother Conrado B. Morgan
District Representative
3rdDistrictDR@OPPF.Org
