DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and DNC Labor Council Chair Stuart Appelbaum released the following statement on the passing of AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy:

“We mourn the loss of a giant in the fight for labor rights and human rights, William ‘Bill’ Lucy. A revered Black labor leader and a steadfast ally in the battle for progress, Bill was a voice for social justice, a champion for worker freedom, and a fighter for all of us. It is with a heavy heart and fond memories that we honor his decades of advocacy and leadership. 

“A lifelong coalition builder, Bill Lucy transformed the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and stood on the frontlines of change. He rallied unions, students, and community organizations to fight South Africa’s apartheid regime, marched shoulder to shoulder with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and as a founding member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, he fought to increase Black representation in the labor movement. He served not just as a powerful advocate, but as an inspiration to us all. 

“Bill once said, ‘There’s always been a crisis for millions of people not as lucky as we are… we have a responsibility to help them out.’ As we honor his legacy, let us follow his example and remember our responsibility to our neighbors and friends. We’re devastated by this news, and sending our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and coworkers. We are blessed to have been graced by his kindness and humanity, and he will be missed by so many. Rest in power, William Lucy.”