March 27, 2017 – Mayor Byron W. Brown today recognized the extraordinary accomplishments of Randi Weingarten, President, of the American Federation of Teachers, one of the nation’s largest labor unions, with over 1.6 million members, as he concluded the celebration of Women’s History Month 2017 – Honoring Trailblazing Women in Labor & Business.
Mayor Brown proclaimed Monday, March 27, 2017, “Randi Weingarten Day” in the City of Buffalo during a ceremony at City Hall. Mayor Brown called Ms. Weingarten a “trailblazer and true champion” who has not only distinguished herself as one of the most powerful labor leaders in the U.S., but has also championed the causes of gender and racial equality and diversity throughout her storied career.
“Randi Weingarten has never forgotten the lessons she learned at her childhood kitchen table as her late mother, a second-grade teacher, fought for a decent pay check and professional respect and dignity, a crusade which included a seven-week strike by the teachers union. With those seeds of activism and equity firmly planted, Randi Weingarten has become not only a tenacious and determined leader for members of the American Federation of Teachers, but a voice for all Americans who are battling for equality, respect, dignity and opportunity,” Mayor Brown said. “She is a trailblazer and true champion for all those striving for equity no matter their gender, race or sexual orientation, and she is a tremendous role model for all of us working to make that a reality.”
Ms. Weingarten addressed an audience of hundreds in the lobby of City Hall after receiving the Mayoral proclamation.
"I want to thank the Mayor and the people of Buffalo for this great honor and for recognizing the contributions women make in our communities," Weingarten said. "We are in a moment of serious threats to many of the issues that matter most to women and society--including access to healthcare, a fair economy and great neighborhood public schools. Women are seizing this moment--from the Women's Marches across the globe, to running for elected office, to working through their union and community groups. Women are a force for good in our classrooms and colleges, in state houses and businesses, in homes and hospitals. I accept this honor in recognition of all the women who make a difference in our lives every day."
Monday’s event concluded the City’s celebration of Women’s History Month in 2017. In addition to a March 22nd City Hall event during which seven Buffalo women were recognized for their achievements in business and labor, Mayor Brown also participated in events sponsored by the local chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, the Buffalo Federation of Women’s Clubs and the Girl Scouts of Western New York. He also took part in the National Day Without Women Rally in Niagara Square, the Nellie B. King Celebration of Women Touching the World, Utopian Euphoria Women Making History, and the 3rd Annual Go Getta Mix & Mingle for women achievers.
The Mayor was also the featured guest on the debut broadcast of the Daily Buzz, an all-woman local talk show on WBBZ-TV.