Top: Region 2B Director Ken Lortz.
Second: Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur
Third: Shop Chairman Steve Rupley
Below: Civil and Human Rights Committee with Marcy Kaptur, Ray Wood, Ken Lortz and Steve Rupley

On Saturday, Jan 23, 2010, the Local 14 / PT Unit Civil and Human Rights Committees sponsored a dinner honoring the late Martin Luther King, Jr.

Region 2B Director Ken Lortz was the featured speaker citing the close alliance between Martin Luther King, Jr. and the UAW and also noting that in 1961, then UAW President Walter Reuther invited Dr. King to speak at the UAW’s 25th Anniversary Dinner in Detroit. Rarely reported is the fact that Martin Luther King campaigned rigorously for all worker's rights.

Below is an excerpt from his famous speech at the UAW's 25th Anniversary Dinner in 1961, and his words spoken then are just as prevalent today.

"The auto workers are facing hard core unemployment. New economic patterning through automation and relocation of plants is dissolving the nation's basic industries. This is to me a catastrophe. We are neither technologically advanced nor socially enlightened as a nation if we witness this disaster for tens of thousands without finding a solution. And by a solution I mean a real and genuine alternative providing the same living standards and opportunities which were swept away by a force called progress, but which for many is destruction."

The Regional Director also honored Ray Wood, Local 14 President, with a certificate for his dedicated and continued service to the community.

Also attending was Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, who note the struggles by the civil rights leader and many of his accomplishments that have benefitted all races.

The Local NAACP Chapter President, WilliAnn Moore, was also in attendance and addressed the attendees.

Guests were also addressed by Ray Wood and Steve Rupley, PT Unit Shop Chairman.

Local 14 Chaplain, Audrey Ransey, was the mistress of ceremony and introduced the guests and thanked them for attending.

Committee Chairmen, John Chapman and Rod Tatum, were grateful for the support from all of the attendees and promised to make each year better than the last.

Top:Local 14 President Ray Wood
Second: Ray Wood accepting his certificate from Ken Lortz.
Third: Steve Rupley and Local 14 Civil and Human Rights Chairman John Chapman
Bottom: PT Unit Civil and Human Rights Chairman Rod Tatum.