SEIU Local 521

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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 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.

Fresno AFRAM Members at the Fresno Juneteenth Celebration, 2022!

AFRAM Meetings & Events

Fresno: Meets on the 4th Thursday of the month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. via Zoom (In-person or hybrid in months January, February, June, and November only)
RSVP at (559) 447-2570 or Julie.Ford@seiu521.org or via MemberLink under the Events tab

San Jose: Meets on Thursday monthly, 7-8 p.m. via teleconference.
RSVP via MemberLink under the Events tab or SEIU521.Receptionist@seiu521.org or at (408) 678-3300

Brochure & Application

Learn more about SEIU 521 AFRAM: AFRAM Brochure (PDF)

AFRAM Bylaws (PDF)

Email: AFRAM@seiu521.org
Web site: www.seiu521.org/AFRAM

Officers – FRESNO

CAUCUS CHAIR: Arvelia Cooper-Whigham, cooper.arvelia@gmail.com, (559) 517-8026
CAUCUS CO-CHAIR: Rogenia Cox, rrogenia@sbcglobal.net, (559) 269-4791
CAUCUS TREASURER: Darlynn Qualls, quallsdarlynn@gmail.com, (559) 375-0529
CAUCUS SECRETARY: Arvelia Cooper-Whigham, cooper.arvelia@gmail.com, (559) 517-8026
CAUCUS PARLIMENTARIAN: Alysia Bonner, lavonbonner@yahoo.com, (559) 903-3035

Officers – San Jose

CAUCUS CHAIR: Marilyn DeRouen, derouenmarilyn5@gmail.com, (408) 772-2652
CAUCUS CO-CHAIR: Emma Davis, emma.davis@hhs.sccgov.org, (408) 316-2814
CAUCUS TREASURER: Kristen Bailey, Kristen.bailey@ssa.sccgov.org, (408) 431-3504
CAUCUS SECRETARY: Maxine King, Maxine.king@ssa.sccgov.org, (408) 449-8489
CAUCUS PARLIMENTARIAN: Natalie Goolsby, natalie.goolsby@rov.sccgov.org, (408) 828-7253

AFRAM News

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.

Mission Statement

The National African American Caucus of the Service Employee International Union (SEIU) engages to promote social, economic, and political justice within 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 descent.
Visit the national website for AFRAM: http://aframseiu.org