The National History of EWMC
The Electrical Workers Minority Caucus was founded in 1974, known then as the Black Caucus and shortly after the Minority Affairs Committee before settling on the name more commonly known as the EWMC. The organization was founded by a small group of primarily African American IBEW members elected as delegates to the 30th International Convention which took place right here in Kansas City, Missouri. At that time there were rumors of a plan by African American and Hispanic IBEW members to form an informational picket line right outside the Convention Hall to formally protest a lack of minority representation in the international leadership.
During a series of meetings leading up to the Kansas City Convention, International Financial Secretary and Business Manager for Local 3, Harry Van Arsdale Jr. heard the concerns of the protesters regarding the issues facing minorities within the IBEW.
Those initial meetings soon culminated in a face to face with then International President Charles Pillard, who met with representatives selected by those few minority delegates of the Convention on the last day September 13, 1974. That committee formed the first EWMC executive council and was made up of 6 members, who would go on to meet again with the International President on November 8th of that same year.
From that point forward the EWMC has continued to meet with and carry the support of the IBEW International President and the International Staff. The original six Executive Committee members included Art Jones business manager of Local 1969, Leon Wilkerson the recording secretary of Local 2188, George Scott Executive Board member of local 1470, Mary Neil Whipps Financial Secretary and Charles Horhn the President/Business manager of Local 2262 and Roy Tempro a business Representative from Local 3. Presiding over the Executive council of the EWMC where the President, or sometimes co-chairs, including Leon Wilkerson, Art Jones, Charles Horhn, Verdi’s Stamps, Robbie Sparks, Victor Uno and the current president Keith Edwards. Past President Robbie Sparks was awarded the distinction of becoming the EWMC President Emeritus following her time as head of the organization.
The Greater Kansas City Chapter History
Fast forward to June of 2007, The Greater Kansas City chapter of EWMC formed its official charter to the national organization. Founding members included Larry T. Wright, the first African American member of Local 124, Porfirio “Pete” Raya Sr., Roy Frampton, Jose Sustaita, Ned Williams, John and Ricardo “Rico” Rodrigues, Richard Hudson, Lindsey Hammonds, Local 124 financial secretary Michael Damico, and, at the time, the future Local 124 Business Manager Terry Akins. These individuals along with others made the foundation of the EWMC in Kansas City. Though Local 124 spearheaded the Chapter, soon after members of other IBEW locals including 412, 1613, and 1464 joined.
The first president of the Greater Kansas City Chapter, Porfirio “Pete” Raya Sr., was elected in September of 2007 eventually being succeeded by Ned Williams, Leslie Lewis, and currently by Jose Sustaita. Over the years the Chapter has seen its members take on leadership roles within their Local and beyond. There have been Business Managers, Executive Board members, Examining Board members and many other positions in organizations throughout the construction industry held by members of the EWMC following the goals of the organization.
In 2010 Efforts began to implement a Scholarship fund for minority JATC apprentices. Each year a first-year apprentice would be selected to receive books for their following year. This was the beginning of the Larry T. Wright Scholarship fund which in turn became funded by the annual EWMC Golf Tournament held every year. This tradition continues to this day.
2014 marked the 40 th anniversary of the EWMC which saw Kansas City hosting the National Leadership Conference where it all began. In a joint effort the Greater Kansas City Chapter, Local 124 and the 11 th District, hosted over 400 delegates for which included workshops, guest speakers, and a “Day of Giving” filled with service to the surrounding community.
The chapter continues its efforts to live up to the mission of the EWMC and to give back to the community through service and sponsorships of a varied array of charities and organizations. The Greater Kansas City Chapter in the past has had partnerships with “Christmas in October”, “Dollars Against Diabetes (DAD’s Day)”, “Jobs for Justice”, and have worked on projects for organizations such as Rose Brooks Centers and Guadalupe Center Inc.
The Focus of the Greater Kansas City Chapter has continued to be those of the mission of the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus founded in 1974 by the brave individuals that stood up and asked to be represented. The work of the EWMC is ongoing and far from finished. By continuing to educate the membership, mentor the youth, and support the inclusion of all members of the IBEW regardless of their race, age, or gender identity we will continue to strive for our seat at the table of organized labor.
This history was compiled from works written and gathered by Dorthy Fortier for http://www.IBEW-EWMC.com, and the past meeting minutes of the Greater Kansas City Chapter.
The Mission
Promote Equity, Equal Opportunity and Employment for minorities and under-represented workers at all levels of the IBEW Structure Foster Leadership development and empower minorities and under-represented workers to become active participants and leaders in the IBEW.
Provide assistance to and address discrimination complaints of minorities and underrepresented workers.
Promote, support and assist the organizing of minorities and underrepresented workers.
Encourage minority and underrepresented workers to be greater activist in community and political affairs.
Be actively involved in human, civil and woman’s rights organizations both within and outside labor.
