Tessera

AFSCME Archivist

@afscme-archivist.bsky.social

Archivist and labor archeologist (?) for AFSCME @reutherlibrary.bsky.social Bringing you the history of AFSCME with joy, levity, hope, and resolve. reuther.wayne.edu archives.wayne.edu wayne.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/afscme

244 Posts530 Follower 235 Folgt

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 6d ago

Who doesn't love a good labor tune? Maryland Public Employees Council 67 Song Book, circa 1977. @afscmemd.org @afscme.bsky.social @reutherlibrary.bsky.social #music #LaborHistory

A folded booklet rests on a folder. The Booklet is titled "Maryland Public Employees Council 67 Song Book." Around the title is music notation border and below that is an illustration of four ment singing in barbership quartet style clothing. At the bottom are the names Ernest B. Crofoot, Director, and Raymond Clark, Assistant Director. The folder label reads "Council 67 Maryland 1977." From the AFSCME Organizing Collection at the Reuther Library, Wayne State University.

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 6d ago

Join us, Detroit Historical Society Staff! I can see you from my office window 👋

Detroit Historical Society Staff Seek Union After DIA Victory

A new museum labor campaign is taking shape in Detroit. Historical Society staff are seeking a union election after the DIA’s organizing victory.

hoodline.com

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 4w ago

So sad to hear about Lillian Roberts passing. She was truly an amazing person.

AFSCME@afscme.bsky.social · 4w ago

The AFSCME family is mourning Lillian Roberts, former executive director of DC 37 and a giant of the labor movement.

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · last mo.

Check out the @reutherlibrary.bsky.social's entry to the Society of American Archivists' "250 for the 250th" project, "an online repository that tells the story of our country in documents." @afscme.bsky.social #America250 #LaborHistory td52e01bc4f4b6253.starter1ua.preservica.com/portal/en-US...

Picket sign used during the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers' strike displaying the phrase “I AM A MAN.” Submitted to SAA's 250 for the 250th project. From the AFSCME collections, Reuther Library, Wayne State University.

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · last mo.

For all who celebrate, enjoy your Independence Day weekend! #4thOfJuly #America250 #IndependenceDay #LaborHistory

AFSCME Archivist@afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 12mo ago

In 1973, the Nixon administration's "Enemies List" was revealed to include @afscme.bsky.social president Jerry Wurf. He told the @washingtonpost.com he was pleased the White House "had taken note of our efforts." This visor has Wurf's name stamped on the band. #LaborHistory #LaborUnions

An aged leather visor bill, which is stamped in call capital letters "Enemy of the White House." From the Jerry and Mildred Wurf papers, Reuther Library, Wayne State University.

AFSCME @afscme.bsky.social · last mo.

AFSCME was born 90 years ago with a bold idea: democracy works best when public service is strong. Nine decades later, that fight continues. Explore 90 years of AFSCME history and the workers who made it possible. afscme90th.org/

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 2mo ago

AFSCME's convention will be in #Chicago for the seventh time this August, and it will be a big one! Not only is 2026 @afscme.bsky.social's 90th year, but delegates will elect a new president and secretary treasurer. I wonder what else we'll get up to? @afscme31.bsky.social #Illinois #LaborUnions

Delegates to AFSCME's 1996 convention participate in a demonstration to support contract negotiations for Cook County, Illinois workers. Several people hold says that read "Fair contract now!" and "AFSCME supports Cook County Employees" and some wear shirts from AFSCME Council 31. In the background is a row of several tall buildings that stretch out of frame. From the AFSCME Communications Department records, Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University.

Delegates to AFSCME's 1996 convention participate in a fun run. The runners are all smiling and wear white shirts. One shirt reads" Union Yes AFSCME Council 13". A clock in the background is at :49:14. The word "whew!" is partially visible on a banner. From the AFSCME Communications Department records, Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University.

A delegate from AFSCME Local 1707 in the AFSCME convention hall holds a camera while facing the viewer. In the background are many round tables with white table cloths full of people seated. The ceiling is lined with rows of lights. From the AFSCME Communications Department records, Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University.

Three delegates to AFSCME's 1996 convention are working on a single computer, experimenting with computer software in the convention booth area. Others are doing the same in the background. The CRT monitor displays a partial map of the US with sections highlighted in different colors. From the AFSCME Communications Department records, Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University.

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Love this story. Genealogy can be so powerful! #Genealogy #Juneteenth #WayneState @reutherlibrary.bsky.social

Celebrating Juneteenth: Wayne State professor Dr. Kafi Kumasi shares her remarkable genealogy journey

Wayne State professor Kafi Kumasi shares the story of how the WSU Campus Genealogy Project helped deepen her search into her family’s proud legacy.

today.wayne.edu

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Best theme song ever! "A-F-S-C-M-E! AFSCME! AFSCME!" @afscme.bsky.social @reutherlibrary.bsky.social #ThemeSong #LaborHistory

AFSCME Archivist@afscme-archivist.bsky.social · last yr.

Here's a delightful 1978 earworm to start your Monday: youtu.be/buTHJPl9Y-A?... #AFSCME #LaborUnions #LaborHistory @afscme.bsky.social @reutherlibrary.bsky.social

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Favorite Jerry Wurf quote, from the @nytimes.com "I would have thought it the end of the world Just to become a business agent for a union, but to become an international president, gee whiz.” Gee whiz? “Yeah, gee whiz, goddamn it!” #LaborHistory @reutherlibrary.bsky.social @afscme.bsky.social

AFSCME president Jerry Wurf looking fierce. In a suit and tie, he has his hands in his pockets while slightly turned and looking sternly over his shoulder. Two other gentlemen in suits stand behind him on what may be a gravel lot with a couple buildings, cars, and other people partially visible in the background. From the AFSCME Communications Department records, Reuther Library, Wayne State University.

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 2mo ago

PSA: the @reutherlibrary.bsky.social migrated collection info to #ArchivesSpace long ago, but researchers still reference the old PDFs, which turn up in goolge (b/c they are on our website which we can't update). But you should use archives.wayne.edu for all your collection searches!

Screenshot of archives.wayne.edu, the public user interface for ArchivesSpace at the Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University. Please use this site for your search of archival collections. Our website (reuther.wayne.edu) is still great for informative blog content, plus all the logistical information you need to know about us, but the collection information it has is no longer being updated.

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 3mo ago

This memo from Dwight is one of my favorite finds, reaching out through time and space. I now call myself a labor archeologist (?). Also, I can relate to having done work on something only to find it is no longer needed 😂😭 #archives #PayEquity #1980s

Memo with AFSCME letterhead, to Linda Lloyd from Dwight Kirk, dated 7/29/81. Re: Pay Equity Leaflet. Body: "Enclosed is the draft copy and layout for the four-page foldover leaflet ton pay equity.
Even though the original request for the material has already been fulfilled by Phil, I am placing it on file, hoping that someday some labor archeologist (?) will [un]earth it and thereby verify that I was around doing something that could pass for decent work.
But seriously, though, I do believe this material can be useful if we should ever decide perhaps to do a pay equity leaflet that gives each facet of our position enough breathing room to project AFSCME's legacy of meeting new challenges."

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 3mo ago

That's some real AFSCME spirit! Members in Minnesota show off AFSCME license plate, circa 1980. @afscme.bsky.social #cars #vanityplate #licenseplate

Photograph in which two people crouch down to admire a car's license plate registration number, which reads: "AFSCME." The car also has an AFSCME bumper sticker. The photo rests on a folder titled "65-122 Minnesota Council 6 1980-1985." From the AFSCME Communications Department records, Reuther Library, Wayne State University.

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Happy Public Service Recognition Week! #PSRW #PSRW2026 #LaborHistory Here's a little history 🧵of public service recognition: (Moving this over from that other social site)

A pamphlet resting on a folder. The pamphlet is titled: The Vital Role of Your Public Employee and features silhouettes of various workers. The folder is titled: Organizing Literature, ca 1970s. From the AFSCME Organizing and Field Services Department records, Reuther Library, Wayne State University.

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Happy Labor History Month! The Reuther Library has been preserving Labor's heritage since 1959. #LaborHistory #LaborHistoryMonth #Archives @reutherlibrary.bsky.social

The cover of a tri-fold pamphlet rests on a wood grain surface. The pamphlet reads:
"Preserving Labor's Heritage
The Labor History Archives
Wayne State University
Detroit, Michigan"
And features an illustrated hand pointing to the right of frame, below which is a circle with an illustration of a man and the words "Free Tom Mooney." From the Reuther Library, Wayne State University, circa late 1960s/early 1970s.

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Mourn the dead, fight like hell for the living....#WorkersMemorialDay buttons from @afscme.bsky.social @reutherlibrary.bsky.social

An assortment of pin-back buttons in circle and rectangle shapes on a translucent piece of foam, with more buttons beneath. Across the top of the frame are three circle-shaped buttons which read "Who killed Karen Silkwood?" Below are four rectangle-shaped buttons produced by AFSCME marking Workers Memorial Day, April 28, from various years in the 1990s. From the Susan Holleran Papers at the Reuther Library, Wayne State University.

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 4mo ago

An organized group is a terrible weapon to behold! From the @afscme.bsky.social Organizing and Field Services Department records, circa 1974. #Unions #Peanuts #Organize

Paper titled, "Union representation? What can. you do about it?" Features a Peanuts comic strip with two frames. In the First, Lucy holds up a fist to Linus, saying "These five fingers...individually they're nothing. But when I curl them together like this into a single unit, they form a weapon that is terrible to behold!" In the second frame, Lucy is walking away while Linus looks at his relaxed fingers saying, "Why can't you guys get organized like that?" Below the comic strip in bubble letters: "It's ok to organize." From the AFSCME Organizing and Field Services records, Reuther Library, Wayne State University.

@laborheritage.bsky.social · 4mo ago

Map Your Labor History This May #LaborHistoryMonth begins May 1. Now is the perfect time to remind your fellow #union members that #LaborHistory happened in communities large and small across the United States, including yours. Find out more: tinyurl.com/3czt294e #History #RoadTrip

Map Your Labor History This May - Labor Heritage Foundation

Labor History Month begins in just a couple of weeks, on Friday, May 1.Now is the perfect time to remind your fellow union members that labor history didn’t just happen in New York or Chicago—it happened in communities large and small across the United States, including yours. The Labor He

tinyurl.com

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 4mo ago

How many names can give you the nickname "Jerry"? Find them in the @afscme.bsky.social archives: Jerome "Jerry" Wurf - President, 1964-1981 Gerald "Jerry" McEntee - President, 1981-2012 Girard "Jerry" Clark - Director, Political Action, 1971-circa 1990 I'll be on the lookout for more!

AFSCME President Gerald McEntee is shown in a suit and tie from the chest up at a lectern, speaking into two microphones during a memorial for Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1988. From the AFSCME Communications Department records, Reuther Library, Wayne State University.

Two photographs rest on a folder labeled "132-57 Clark, Girard P. (Jerry)." The photograph at left shows Jerry Clark in a suit and eyeglasses writing on a chalkboard. In the photo on the right, he is also wearing a suit appears to be speaking. He has one hand in his pocket while the other is gesturing. From the AFSCME Communications Department records, Reuther Library, Wayne State University.

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 4mo ago

“Dear John: I hope this ruins your day.”

A piece of lined paper and a paper-framed photograph rest on a folder labeled “132-66 Cook, Holden.” The photo is a black and white portrait in a rectangular paper frame with oval cut out of a man with a receding hairline, dark rimmed glasses, suit jacket, and bow tie. Hand written on the lined paper: “Dear John: I hope this ruins your day - if it does not I don’t know what it would take to do it. Hodi (?) Cook.” From the AFSCME Communications Department records, Reuther Library, Wayne State University.

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 4mo ago

Off-topic: today is Wayne State University’s Giving Day! Your AFSCME Archivist is also co-founder of the WSU Libraries affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. If you can, we’d be so grateful for donations. Help us get more books in the hands of the littlest Detroiters!

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Join me in supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library this Giving Day on April 9!

givecampus.com

ProPublica Guild @propublicaguild.org · 4mo ago

We’re on strike today! Support our fight for a fair contract by NOT visiting the @propublica.org website or engaging with ProPublica stories today. Tell ProPublica’s management you won’t cross the picket line: actionnetwork.org/petitions/te...

We're on strike! Don't visit propublica.org on April 8

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 4mo ago

It's officially baseball season! @afscme.bsky.social @aflcio.org #baseball

Sheet of paper with cartoon of person labeled "labor" swinging a baseball bat (with a "POW") and a person labeled "racial and religious discrimination" flying through the air. A crowd cheers in the stands behind them. The caption reads "Knock him out of the lot." A "union bug" appears in the bottom left corner, and "National Labor Service" appears in the bottom right. From the AFSCME collections, Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 4mo ago

A 1968 telegram with a statement from @afscme.bsky.social Pres. Jerry Wurf and S-T Joe Ames on the death of Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 4, 1968: "THE DEATH OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING IS A CALAMITY FOR THE PEOPLE OF AMERICA. THE SHAME OF MEMPHIS IS THE SORROW OF THE NATION."

A Western Union Telegram rests atop a folder. Folder title is: "1-16 D.C. Memphis, USA, Committee." Telegram reads:

1968 APR 6

AM

FAX WASHINGTON

WARREN MORSE BUSINESS REP AFSCME AFL CIO LOCAL 1

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT WAS ISSUED BY PRESIDENT JERRY WURF AND SECRETARY-TREASURER JOSEPH AMES ON APRIL 4 1968 OF THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO.

• "THE DEATH OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING IS A CALAMITY FOR THE PEOPLE OF AMERICA. THE SHAME OF MEMPHIS IS THE SORROW OF THE NATION•

"A GREAT AMERICAN WHO WENT TO MEMPHIS TO AID THE 1,300 STRIKING SANITATION WORKERS HAS GIVEN HIS LIFE IN THE EFFORT TO HELP THESE MEN ACHIEVE RECOGNITION OF HUMAN DIGNITY AND EQUALITY OF TREATMENT•"
From the AFSCME Collections at the Reuther Library, Wayne State University.

UAW Archivist @uawarchivist.bsky.social · 4mo ago

Did you know... 1. The @reutherlibrary.bsky.social has a podcast? 2. That it has been going strong for 7 years? 3. Each episode features real experts who know what they are are talking about? 4. It has a theme song that slaps?? reuther.wayne.edu/node/15454

Walter P. Reuther Library@reutherlibrary.bsky.social · 4mo ago

We are so proud to announce the 100th episode of our podcast, Tales from the Reuther Library. Hosted by Reuther archivists Dan Golodner and Troy Eller English, each episode is a conversation with a history expert as unique as our one-of-a-kind archival collections.🎤🎧 reuther.wayne.edu/node/15454

Reuther Library archivists Dan Golodner and Troy Eller English, co-hosts and producers for the Tales from the Reuther Library podcast.

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 4mo ago

Me, processing the "miscellaneous" #archives folders:

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 5mo ago

The promise vs the reality….from the Rhode Island State Employee, July 1960. @afscme.bsky.social #LaborHistory #LaborUnions

Cartoon Illustration titled “small people” showing bald man in suit holding cigar and wearing button that reads “bot for me”. Text next to him reads “The politician votes against labor every time…but claims to be for the working man during elections!” From the AFSCME Publications collection, box 53 folder 43, at Reuther Library, Wayne State University.

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 5mo ago

It ain't your daddy's union #WomensHistoryMonth #WomensHistory #LaborHistory #LaborUnions @oregonafscme.bsky.social @oregonaflcio.bsky.social @afscme.bsky.social @reutherlibrary.bsky.social

circular button with three "Rosies" the Riveter with different skin tones, and text that reads "It ain't your daddy's union, it's ours" "Women's Committee" and "Oregon AFSCME." From the AFSCME collections at the Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 6mo ago

This horse, from an @afscme.bsky.social @dc37nyc.bsky.social organizing pamphlet, is wishing you a Happy Lunar New Year! #YearOfTheHorse

AFSCME Archivist @afscme-archivist.bsky.social · 6mo ago

Processing an addition to the @afscme.bsky.social Communications Department records and today I happened to add this folder to my inventory… #archive #JesseJackson #LaborHistory #CBTU @reutherlibrary.bsky.social