[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 77 (Friday, June 17, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 17, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
            CONGRESSMAN KILDEE HONORS MR. JOHN (J.D.) DOTSON

                                 ______


                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 17, 1994

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today before my colleagues in the 
U.S. House of Representatives to pay tribute to an outstanding resident 
of my hometown of Flint, MI, Mr. J.D. Dotson.
  J.D. Dotson was instrumental in the organizing of the United 
Automobile Workers [UAW] labor union in Flint, MI. He began work in the 
Buick foundry at the age of 21, coming to Flint from his birthplace of 
Vicksburg, MS, living in Chicago, Kankakee, IL, and finally Royal, NJ, 
along the way. He soon recognized a need for a union and began working 
with others toward that end.
  As was the custom in those days, organizers were threatened with 
bodily harm. Mr. Dotson was no exception, receiving his share of 
threats. But he did not let that deter him from his goal. As the 
movement progressed, he was positioned as the captain of the Flying 
Squadron, a protest group. His courage and leadership skills were 
called on often anytime there was activity in one of the plants at 
Buick.
  At this time Buick was a very segregated workplace. Blacks were only 
allowed to enter the plant at two locations and were only allowed to 
work in one place within the plant, the foundry. It was at this time 
that Mr. Dotson decided he needed to have a job in another part of the 
plant. He had worked closely with the legendary union leader, Walter 
Reuther, and decided to integrate the plant. In 1934 he was the first 
black to leave the foundry and began work in factory No. 31.
  Now, at age 92, Mr. Dotson is still active in union affairs. He is a 
national board member and has traveled with the board to such places as 
Lansing, Columbus, OH, and Albion, MI. He continues to hold the 
positions of sergeant at arms, guide, and has a seat on the legislative 
committee.
  Mr. Speaker, it is indeed an honor and a pleasure for me to rise 
today to pay tribute to this outstanding labor pioneer, J.D. Dotson. 
His courageous activities led to the formation of the UAW as well as 
the integration of the workplace and the union. His deeds and actions 
will never be forgotten by the millions of union members throughout 
this country. I wish him well as he is being honored at the Unity for 
Justice Dinner on Saturday, June 18, 1994. J.D. Dotson is truly an 
outstanding American.

                          ____________________