APRI-ME Dinner in Portland – Jan. 18 in Portland; Hasan Solomon (IAM) Featured Guest Speaker

We are excited to announce that Hasan Solomon, Political and Legislative Director for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, will be a guest speaker at the Maine chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute'sfourth annual dinner on Sunday, January 18, from 5 to 8pm at the Irish Heritage Center in Portland.

Solomon is a very compelling and powerful speaker and a passionate defender of workers' rights. He is IAM's voice on Capitol Hill and is widely regarded as one of the top trade union political organizers in Washington, D.C. He is responsible for developing and implementing the IAM’s political and legislative agenda. He has been named “Labor Leader of the Year” by the National Black State Legislators Association. Solomon is the Chair of the National Black Caucus of State Legislator’s Labor RoundTable.  He also serves on the Boards of the Congressional Black Caucus PAC and Congressional Black Caucus Institute (“CBCI”). In addition, he serves on the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Executive Board.

Reserve your tickets for the 4th Annual APRI-ME Dinner!

APRI-ME is the constituency group within the Maine AFL-CIO for members of color and everyone – regardless of color, heritage, or union membership – is welcome at APRI events. APRI-ME President Garrett Stewart said he hopes to get more people of color and allies aware and involved in the organization.

A. Philip Randolph was a civil rights leader who organized the Sleeping Car Porters and fought for fair wages, and humane treatment and living conditions for men of color who had to travel away from their families to work. He helped organize the March on Washington and founded the A. Philip Randolph Institute, a constituent of the AFL-CIO to bridge the gap between minorities and unions. The Maine Chapter of APRI started as a small group in 2018 and has grown ever since.

Due to the low cost of membership, this event is the primary funding source for APRI-ME. Funds are used to cover expenses for events, such as our Immigration and Labor Workshops and our Movie Nights featuring films that highlight the struggles for justice and solidarity for workers across the spectrum. It helps cover expenses to send APRI members to conferences and trainings, continuing to build strong activists and leaders for the labor movement in Maine.

January is a perfect time to be uplifted by good union and community camaraderie, plus good food along with speakers from the frontlines. Your sponsorship and attendance makes the movement strong.