By Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.
(Trice Edney Wire) – I write this week to affirm my understanding that we don’t have to wait for Women’s History or Black History Month to talk about Black women. In honor of Addie Wyatt and on the occasion of receiving the United Food and Commercial Workers Minority Coalition’s Addie Wyatt Award, I want to share information about this incredible woman whose life’s work lives on as a glowing example for women and of dedication to principles of civil and human rights, and service to her community.
Reflecting on the successes of numerous civil rights organizations and dedicated activists, I realize that more than a significant number of our achievements have origins that form under the influence of Addie and women like her.
Upon comparison, I was able to identify many common threads between Addie and me, and that is a source of great pride. We’re both southern women and both are known to have no hesitation in speaking our minds. We have both served on high-level Presidential Commissions and have both worked internationally for human justice. We’re both ministers and both of us have been honored in our selection as Ebony Magazine’s 100 Most Influential African Americans.
Addie worked for the UFCW and I was supported by them when I ran for Congress. She helped to organize the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and they were highly supportive of me, too. As I developed personally and professionally, Addie served as a major role model in my life.
I’m sure that few who knew Addie in her early years would have imagined the woman she would become. Although born in Mississippi, coming from humble beginnings, Addie’s story of achievement began in her adopted hometown of Chicago, IL. Like many who relocated to the north during the era of the Great Migration, she took advantage of the available industrial jobs – hers in meatpacking.
Also like many in that era, Addie was able to realize a measure of protection with her membership in a labor union. Her union gave her a platform to demonstrate the strength of her character and leadership skills. In the early 60’s, she was appointed to a position on the Labor Legislation Committee of the U.S. Commission on the Status of Women. In 1976, her leadership skills led to her election as International Vice-President of the UFCW.
The strength of her leadership wasn’t confined to being in the labor movement. Addie was ordained as a minister in the Church of God. Like so many ministers of that era, she used the authority of her pulpit as a vehicle to promote civil rights. Supporting his fair housing initiatives in Chicago and the goals of the March on Washington, she was one of the thousands of unsung foot soldiers of Dr. King.
Like many who wax sentimental about the departed, I also make assumptions about how Addie would’ve addressed contemporary issues. Considering her commitment to racial and gender fairness, I believe the Marissa Alexander case would be a “hot-button” issue in Addie’s life. I envision Addie speaking out and raising defense funds—but certainly not just talking about what others should do.
In an interview with Elizabeth Balanoff, Addie said, “I find myself as a black woman oft times fighting on three fronts – the worker’s front, the black front and the female front—trying to overcome all of these pressures…Sometimes I think it’s much more difficult as a black woman, because we have to carry the burden of all these problems….”
As a result of her work, and her influence on women of my generation, we have a duty to help women of a younger generation. More of us must mentor and extend our experiences, knowledge and guidance to those who follow.
Dr. E. Faye Williams, Chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc.
