I hope everyone is doing well! We’ve had a lot of good news to report from our local.
The Northern Virginia Labor Federation honored the WMA Local for our advocacy for workers’ rights and our successful strike at its 2024 Annual Tribute to Labor Dinner on May 17 (above). National Board member Towanda Underdue and Local Board member Keith Flippen accepted the award on our behalf.
I joined several members of our local for the Labor Heritage Foundation’s Solidarity Forever Awards. AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond was among the honorees. We purchased a table in support of the foundation, which works to preserve and promote knowledge of the cultural heritage of the American worker through the arts, including music, poetry, written works, theater and artistic works.
Towanda and I had the pleasure of representing our local at this year’s Grammys on the Hill. SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and Chief Labor Policy Officer and New York Local Executive Director Rebecca Damon also joined us. This year’s awards honored nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow and Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., for their contributions to support music creators.
It’s award season for our local’s broadcasters. Nominations have recently been named for the Capital Emmys and the Chesapeake AP Broadcasters Association Awards, and a number of national organizations will be making announcements in coming weeks. I wish all of our region’s nominees the best of luck, and congratulations in advance for the acknowledgement of your hard work.
The business of our national convention resumes in June. I’m also honored to serve as mistress of ceremonies for SAG-AFTRA’s George Heller Memorial Award during convention weekend. It is bestowed based on contributions and years of service to SAG-AFTRA or its predecessor unions.
Remember to enjoy the benefits that we have fought for and take comfort in your union membership!
In solidarity,
Tracee Wilkins
SAG-AFTRA Washington-Mid Atlantic Local President