African American Committee
African-American Committee
This committee brings African-American union leaders together to spearhead positive community events designed to improve the lives of our members and the communities we live in. The African-American Committee’s signature events include the Leora Hill Scholarship Fund, Dr. Martin Luther King celebratory events across the state, the Annual Thanksgiving Holiday Turkey Give-Away and the Christmas Toy drive among other regionally sponsored events.
2024 LEORA HILL SCHOLARSHIP
ABOUT THE NAMESAKE
Leora Hill was born on August 7, 1951, in Lorain, Ohio, to Raymond Edward Fowler Sr. and Priscilla Jane Douthit. She was the fourth of six children, and mirrored her values of love, family and social responsibility in her own two children, Toni and Troy Fowler. Leora began her working life at the Ford Motor plant and discovered the importance of dignity at work and advocating for workers’ rights soon on. She moved to California in 1981 with her daughter, and in 1982, she met the man who would become her best friend and life partner, Wayne Hill. They married on March 29, 1985.
Leora’s most impactful career experience was with the Board of Equalization, where she spent 23 years as a California state employee. Not only was she a dedicated public servant, but her state employment lead her to be a social justice activist and leader of SEIU Local 1000. Of her many accolades as a Local 1000 leader, Leora served as the chair of the Committee on Political Education (COPE) for Southern California, and President of Local l000’s District Labor Council (DLC) 723. The pride she held for her DLC and the members of her immediate community was reflected in her acts of service and the ongoing conversations with her members on matters that were important to them. She was a great leader for state employees of Los Angeles County, and she worked hard to hold elected officials accountable for quality public services.
Local 1000’s African-American Committee is proud to honor such a dedicated activist by holding this essay contest as a tribute to her memory and to her commitment to Labor.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
l. All full dues paying members of SEIU Local 1000 and their children or immediate dependents are eligible for the scholarships.
2. All entries must be received by the close of business on June 19, 2024. Applications may be mailed to SEIU Local 1000, 1801 Excise Ave, #101, Ontario, CA 91761, Attention: African-American Committee. Applications may be walked-in to any SEIU Local 1000 field office. Applications may also be emailed toAACmte@seiu l 000.org . No faxes will be accepted.
3. The 2024 awards will be announced to the winners by
August 7, 2024, and acknowledged at the final African-American
Committee meeting of the year.
4. Proof of enrollment in a learning institution is required
at the time of the application and essay submission.
1. High School Awards are for students entering 9th through
12th grade.
2. College awards are for students entering any year of
college or trade school.
WRITING GUIDELINES
1. The theme of the contest is ”Making Black History.” Unions give black workers the space to create opportunities for all communities. Describe the impact made by black social justice leaders on modern unions of today. How will you help Local 1000 make black history?
2. Essays must be the original work of the student. If the essay is found to be plagiarized, it will be disqualified.
Submission guidelines: Entries will be accepted and judged as follows:
1. High School: l000 to 1200 words (Citations and bibliography are not included in the word count.)
2. College: l000 to 1200 words (Citations and bibliography are not included in the word count. Essays must have a minimum of five sources & essays must include a bibliography.)
JUDGING
The essays are subject to a blind judging process, and the identity of the writers will not be revealed until after the judging of all essays has been completed. Votes will be tabulated, and the winners will be announced on the African-American Committee page of SEIU Local l000’s website.
PRIZES
1 – $1000 College
1 – $250 High School
Download the application here.
Board of Directors Meeting 2021
African-American Committee Recorded Livestream
Date:December 18, 2021 at 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
A Message from the SEIU Local 1000 African-American Committee
As SEIU Local 1000 celebrates the kickoff of another Black History Month, we lament the fact that we as a nation have yet to acknowledge our history of racial injustice, including the genocide of Native people, the legacy of slavery and racial terror lynchings, and the legally authorized segregation and abuse of people of color.
Before we can effectively address contemporary issues such as mass incarceration, immigration, and human rights, we must work to create a California for ALL by first telling the truth about our history.
Being Black in the workplace
An Online Event
The African-American Committee will showcase the power dynamics
of black professionals in a political charged environment,
featuring former Secret Service Agent to President
Obama
Holli Draines’ virtual presentation.
2020 Leora Hill Scholarship
Leora Hill was born on August 7, 1951, in Lorain, Ohio, to Raymond Edward Fowler Sr. and Priscilla Jane Douthit. She was the fourth of six children, and mirrored her values of love, family and social responsibility in her own two children, Toni and Troy Fowler. Leora began her working life at the Ford Motor plant and discovered the importance of dignity at work and advocating for workers’ rights soon on. She moved to California in 1981 with her daughter, and in 1982, she met the man who would become her best friend and life partner, Wayne Hill. They married on March 29, 1985.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Join the African-American Committee at an event near you
Fifty years ago, Dr. King called for a “revolution of values,” inviting people who were divided to stand together for social and economic justice. 50 years later, the African-American Committee stands for these same values and will march with members and community leaders in honor of knowledge, dignity and change! Are you in? We welcome everyone and encourage you to invite someone from another race, religion or cultural background to walk with us. Lert’s continue to make history with our annual tradition!
Educational Opportunities are a Union Value!
Apply now for the 2020 Leora Hill Scholarship
Our Local 1000 Purpose Statement provides us with a vision of a better life for all Californians. A foundational component of that vision is a solid education, which is essential to achieving social and economic justice.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2020 Leora Hill Scholarship, an opportunity our union offers to children of our members enrolled in middle school, high school or college.
Apply now for the Leora Hill Scholarship
2017 Leora Hill Scholarship – Applications Are Being Accepted
The African-American Committee for SEIU Local 1000 is proud to present the 2017 Leora Hill Scholarship as a tribute to the memory of activist Leora Hill and her commitment to labor. If you or your child is enrolled in middle school, high school or college, please take advantage of this amazing opportunity!