In honor of Black History Month, we want to spotlight member Tyrone White from Local 1047. Tyrone was working as a non-union painter when a twist of fate led him to DC 21. After receiving a neck injury in a car accident, Tyrone met a union painter at the chiropractor’s office who connected him to DC 21. After interviewing at the hall, he joined as an apprentice and became a journeyman in 18 months due to his previous experience.
Tyrone worked at Zack Painting for ten years, and then spent 20 years at Braun and Chamberlain before retiring. Tyrone is dedicated to his craft. For him, painting is relaxing; it helps him focus his attention, and he takes pride in doing his job well. As a foreman for a 20,000-square-foot job in Brooklyn, he was able to complete the project 4 weeks ahead of schedule.
The union completely changed his life. He was able to take care of his family with DC 21’s great wages and robust healthcare benefits, and is the first person in his family to retire.
As a journeyman, he was active in the union, serving as Warden, Sergeant of Arms, Vice President, and Delegate for his local, and eventually a Trustee for the District Council. As a retiree, he is active in the retiree committee and still attends Local 1047 meetings. It’s important to him to stay active in the union. The union changed his life, and he wants to pay it forward. He has attended the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) events and taken other members to their conferences.
Tyrone is excited to see Black members he’s worked with moving into leadership roles, like Lawrence Burgess at the International and Lamont Rouse co-chairing the Black CORE Committee. He hopes it encourages more Black members to get active in the union. “It’s an opportunity to help shape the direction of the District Council,” said Tyrone. “By attending Local meetings and getting involved, you get to have a say instead of choices being made for you.”
We are incredibly proud of Brother Tyrone’s accomplishments and thank him for his service, leadership, and lasting contributions to our union.
