John Lewis A True Champion for Civil Rights and a True Friend of Labor

As I watched the horse drawn hearse carry the body of Rep. John Lewis across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma Alabama, my thoughts went back to our initial meeting at an IBEW Legislative Conference in Washington DC a few years ago.  The Conference had a number of speakers including the house speaker Nancy Pelosi.  Union Built PC had a vendor table in the Lobby which was visited by delegates and guests alike.  The one visitor that stood out was Rep. John Lewis.  Most of the vendors had left for lunch and as luck would have it, I was a little late in leaving.  All of a sudden there was John Lewis at our Booth and he proceeded to ask questions about Union Built PC and the services and products we provided for Labor.  What struck me was that he seemed genuinely interested in the conversation.  Then, he asked me if I would like to take a picture with him.  In my capacity as a Union Rep for many years, and as Director of Operations for Union Built PC, I have met many politicians.  None of which ever asked ME if they could take a picture.  It certainly was an honor to have him visit our booth and to have this memory.  RIP Brother.

In his Biography, John Lewis is described as “one of the most courageous persons the Civil Rights Movement ever produced,” John Lewis has dedicated his life to protecting human rights, securing civil liberties, and building what he calls “The Beloved Community” in America.   His dedication to the highest ethical standards and moral principles has won him the admiration of many of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the United States Congress.  “John Lewis…is a genuine American hero and moral leader who commands widespread respect in the chamber.”

Pete Marchese
Director of Operations
Union Built PC Inc.