Bill Lucy – 09/25/2024
Though born in Memphis, Tennessee, Bill Lucy grew up and studied in California, where he became involved in the labor movement while working for Contra Costa County. He became president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees in 1965, moving to Washington D.C. to work on behalf of its members.
11/26/1933 – 09/25/2024
Washington, DC
Bill Lucy, born in Memphis and raised in California, became involved in the labor movement while working for Contra Costa County. In 1965, he became president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and moved to Washington D.C. to advocate for its members.
Lucy supported the 1968 Memphis sanitation strikes, involving over 1,300 Black workers and attracting national attention, including from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The protests led to King’s assassination shortly after his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech. Within a month, Memphis recognized the workers’ union and improved wages and working conditions.
Lucy was pivotal in these negotiations and coined the slogan “I Am a Man,” which became synonymous with the movement. He co-founded the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, served as president of Public Services International, and was on the AFL-CIO executive council. He also participated in the Free South Africa Movement against apartheid. President Biden highlighted Lucy’s belief in the connection between working-class issues and civil rights, strengthening Black Americans’ roles in unions. As he stated, “It was the shortest phrase that would instill a sense of pride.”
