The National African American Caucus (AFRAM) of the Service Employees Union (SEIU) is committed to enhancing opportunities for education, training, mentorship, leadership development and networking for SEIU members and staff of African descent. It promotes social, economic and political justice within the workplace, our communities, our nation and within our union. They also encourage members to engage in efforts to organize the unorganized and to participate fully in the development and implementation of labor’s political agenda and programs.
AFRAM Meetings & Events
Fresno: 2nd Thursday of the month, 5:30-8 p.m.
SEIU 521, 5228 E. Pine Ave., Fresno – RSVP: (559) 447-2579
San Jose: 3rd Saturday of the month @ Noon
Next Meeting: Thursday, June 13, 5:3-8 p.m.
SEIU 521, 2302 Zanker Rd., San Jose – RSVP: (408) 678-3366
Contact Information
Ouida Lewis, AFRAM Chair
Gwen Harshaw, AFRAM Fresno Chair
SEIU Local 521 AFRAM – Email: AFRAM@seiu521.org
Web site: http://521.seiu.org/AFRAM
Brochure & Application
Learn more about SEIU Local 521 AFRAM: AFRAM Brochure (PDF)
Support and Join AFRAM: AFRAM Application (PDF)
AFRAM News & Past Events
San Jose Juneteenth 2013 (PDF)
5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Fresno
June 1, 2013
Flyer (PDF)
The Top Black Labor Union Leaders
Before sleeping-car porters organized in 1925, most labor unions excluded blacks. Today 20 percent of black workers belong to a union, and black members’ median salary is 36 percent more than that of non-members. The Root celebrates black labor leaders, past and present.
Click here for slideshow.
Black Workers and the Public Sector
April 2011, by Steven Pitts
» Research Brief 
The standoff in Wisconsin highlights the fiscal crisis facing state and local governments across the country. Since January 2009, state and local governments have laid off 429,000 workers. As governments contemplate additional layoffs, it is important to note that few commentators have examined the racial implications of this reduction in government employment.
Black History Month
Feb. 2011 – One thing that some people often forget was why Martin Luther King, Jr. was in Memphis in August 1964. He was supporting workers in a strike. Black history and labor history in America are often entwined. SEIU 521 celebrates Black History Month each year in February and embraces black history always through AFRAM, the African-American Caucus within SEIU Local 521.
Mission Statement
The National African American Caucus of the Service Employee International Union (SEIU) engages to promote social, economic and political justice with our workplace, our communities, and our nation within our union.
We encourage our members to organize the unorganized and fully participate in the development and implementation of labor’s political agenda and programs.
History & Purpose
The creation of the African American Caucus within service Employee International Union (SEIU) evolved over several decades via several internal structures. The AFRAM local 521 Santa Clara Chapter was started in 1995.
The National African American Caucus of SEIU is committed to enhancing opportunities for education, training, mentorship, leadership development and networking for SEIU members and staff of African decent.
Visit the national web site for AFRAM: http://aframseiu.org
