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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE and CONTRIBUTIONS OF MARGARET BLACKSHERE
WHEREAS, Margaret Blackshere was a powerful and historic force in Illinois labor and politics, from her time as the first woman to head the state AFL-CIO to her tenure as a member of the Democratic National Committee, and as a delegate to the party's presidential nominating conventions.
WHEREAS, Margaret was raised in North Venice, Illinois by her mother, Frances, and her Aunt Margie. She received her master's degree in education at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and became a kindergarten teacher in nearby Madison. While a student at SIUE, she served as a student trustee. After completing her studies, she was appointed by the governor to continue in the role of trustee. In Madison, she launched the organizing drive that led to the school's teachers becoming affiliated with the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT); and
WHEREAS, Margaret was known as being tough but charming. She went from being a kindergarten teacher to taking on union and political posts while working to modernize the labor movement. She made history as the first woman to lead the Illinois AFL-CIO and helped lead Democrats to victory across the state; and
WHEREAS, Margaret rose through the ranks of the statewide IFT and in 1993 was elected secretary-treasurer of the state AFL-CIO. Seven years later, following a rare, bitterly contested battle for control, she was elected president of the umbrella organization for labor unions in Illinois. It was a post she held until retiring from the position in 2007. Her union presidency came during a time of change for organized labor as power shifted from private-sector unions to organizations representing public-sector workers; and
WHEREAS, Margaret was known for trying to make union leadership more inclusive along racial and gender lines to be more representative of the membership. She brought a higher level of union activity to the Democratic Party, inc...
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