Change agents: MAC recognizes civil rights leader Russell R. Lasley

All of us are capable of impacting our surroundings, and our voices can affect the people around us in ways one could never imagine. Throughout history, people have raised their voices to combat unfair treatment and disrespectful behavior, leading to significant positive change in their workplace and beyond. 

For Black History Month, the MAC recognizes Russell R. Lasley. Mr. Lasley worked at a meat packing facility and decided to become a union officer in the United Packinghouse Workers of America. Mr. Lasley voiced opposition to human disrespect and discriminatory treatment as a union officer. His impact on the employees around him inspired Mr. Lasley to continue raising his voice. As a result, he became a central leader of the American Civil Rights Movement and accomplished the following:

• Became vice president of the United Packinghouse Workers of America.
• Unified union members of all backgrounds to stand up for non-discriminatory housing practices in Chicago after a home was firebombed.
• Helped organize marches for voting rights.
• Formed defense committees to protect Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Helped form the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a group of southern churches and clergy who coordinated protests and demonstrations in the wake of the successful Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Mr. Lasley’s life illustrates how one voice can positively have a great human impact. Thank you for raising your voice, Russell R. Lasley (1914-1989).