The 45th AFSCME International Convention kicked off this week with a somber yet uplifting remembrance program honoring former AFSCME International President Jerry McEntee, who died Sunday at age 87.
Jerry McEntee was a visionary leader and one of the most fearless, ferocious advocates working people have ever had. Standing up for public service workers was his passion and his life’s work. From the moment he became an AFSCME member 66 years ago, he has never let up in the fight. For 31 years, Pres. McEntee led AFSCME to historic growth through aggressive organizing while also making AFSCME a political powerhouse, with his innate understanding that political action was essential to giving working people a voice, from the White House down to every city council across the country.
Jerry was also a man of joyful, infectious energy and a lively storyteller with a tremendous sense of humor, said his legacy storytellers. His down-to-earth charm drew people to him, just one of the qualities that made him a great leader. Rest in peace, brother. You will be missed, but your legacy will carry on. Click below to watch the Jerry McEntee Legacy video:
