[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF MR. DAVID NEWBY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and 
achievements of Mr. David Newby, President of the Wisconsin State AFL-
CIO, as he retires from his esteemed position.
  David served as president for sixteen years, but his roots in 
fighting for social equality run much deeper. He began his dedicated 
fight against injustice during his time as a teacher at the Tuskegee 
Institute in Alabama. From 1965 to 1968, he faced off with racial 
discrimination in the South, organizing and participating in protests 
and sit-ins to counter the actions of the local chapter of the Ku Klux 
Klan. In 1968, David began work on a Ph.D. at the University of 
Wisconsin-Madison. He quickly became involved in the union movement. As 
Steward of the Teaching Assistants Association, David was able to gain 
recognition from the administration through union strikes and other 
actions.
  In 1982, David first stepped into a labor leadership role when he was 
elected President of the Madison Labor Council. He possessed the 
ability to motivate local members to come together on issues and 
express their views as one voice to the national AFL-CIO. A supremely 
principled man, David had no qualms about speaking out against union-
backed candidates or policies. In 1986, he won a tough election for 
Secretary-Treasurer. He continued to ruffle feathers as he expressed 
his distaste for America's military actions abroad, never backed down 
from striking against plant closings, and continually pushed to attract 
new and more committed union members. Finally, in 1994, David easily 
won the presidency of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.
  Over the past sixteen years as president, David has only increased 
his effort to fight for what he believes is right. As the 
representative of the Midwest on the national AFL-CIO Executive 
Council, he helped lead the federation's opposition to the Iraq War. He 
continued to work tirelessly to build stronger connections between 
local labor leaders, community leaders, workers, and organizations to 
support students' rights, civil rights, women's rights, and countless 
other causes. In a time when so many are suffering because of the 
economy, David has fought to keep jobs from going abroad and to ensure 
competitive wages and benefits for union workers.
  In a piece reflecting on the election of President Obama, David 
wrote, ``But no gains are freely given. We have to seize the moment, 
focus our energies, and assure that the victory will indeed be ours.'' 
These bold words embody the essence of the American spirit, and it is 
clear that over the past fifty years, David has come to epitomize this 
spirit. Although colleagues may disagree with his beliefs or fiery 
spirit, they always come away with nothing but the utmost respect for 
David.
  May his stalwart dedication, vision, and lifelong commitment to the 
highest ethical standards continue to serve as an inspiration for us. I 
join the greater Madison community, the entire state of Wisconsin, and 
those who continue to fight for their beliefs throughout our great 
nation in honoring Mr. David Newby's achievements and thanking him for 
his lifetime of service.

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