Congressman Hilliard endorses ‘Power of One’

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (July 11) – Congressman Earl F. Hilliard (D-Ala.) told the 700 UTU members attending the Regional Meeting at the Sheraton Civic Center Hotel that "only the strong survive" and that there is "strength in the Power of One."

"I am your friend and you can count on me for help," he said.

Hilliard, whose father worked on the railroad, joined a union when he was 19 years old and remains a member to this day. Elected to Congress in 1992 as Alabama’s first African-American member since Reconstruction, he was the keynote luncheon speaker Monday. He said he has had a 22-year relationship with the UTU dating to his days in the Alabama legislature.

After being introduced by National Legislative Director James Brunkenhoefer, Hilliard gave an impassioned speech about the rights of everyday American’s who deserve livable wages and healthcare in an affluent society.

In regard to rail labor, Hilliard said, "In America only the strong survive, and in keeping with your slogan ‘The Power of One,’ unions must get together so they are stronger and can survive. So ‘The Power of One’ is the power of unity, and without the ‘United’ in your name it will stand for naught."

A native of Birmingham and as a life-long resident of Alabama – the birthplace of the modern civil rights movement – Hilliard has seen first-hand the difference one person can make to effectuate positive change. As a full-time civil rights activist, he has marched, protested and stood up for equal justice all his life. He has a longstanding commitment to uplifting the poor, the disenfranchised, and the everyday laborer. Congressman Hilliard understands that the measure of a civilized society is gauged by the treatment of those less fortunate.

During the 105th Congress, Congressman Hilliard served on two major committees in the House of Representatives. He is a member of the House Agriculture Committee and a member of the Committee on International Relations. The Congressman was the First Vice Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus in the 105th Congress.

Now in the 106th Congress, Congressman Hilliard is a Vice Chair of the Progressive Caucus, Co-Chair of the ad hoc Telehealth Committee of the House and Senate, and a Member of the Rural Health Care Caucus Steering Committee. He has sponsored or supported legislation making it easier for families to save and send their children to college, encouraging economic development, promoting and preserving agricultural interests, enhancing small business growth, and addressing the myriad of needs faced by the poor. Additionally, he sponsors a multi-faceted internship program that offers unique learning opportunities for the young men and women of the Seventh Congressional District.

Prior to his election to the 103rd Congress, Congressman Hilliard served six years in the Alabama House of Representatives. During his tenure in the State House, he was elected the first Chairman of the Alabama Black Legislative Caucus in 1975. In 1980 Congressman Hilliard was elected to the Alabama State Senate. He was subsequently re-elected to the Alabama State Senate in 1982, 1983, 1986, and 1990. Congressman Hilliard served with distinction as Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Transportation and Utility Committee. Also, from 1982-1986, he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee. In 1986 and 1990, he was the Chairman of the Jefferson County Senate Delegation.

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