This Black History Month, we remember Clara Day, who battled both race and gender stereotypes on her way to attaining a leadersh...

[T-Link Reporter]

This Black History Month, we remember Clara Day, who battled both race and gender stereotypes on her way to attaining a leadership positions with Local 743 in Chicago and in the community.



She joined Teamsters Local 743 in 1955 after successfully helping to organizing more than 3,000 employees. Shortly thereafter, she was brought onto the staff of Local 743 to represent the same workers she had helped bring to the union.

In 1976 she was elected to the Local 743 Executive Board and served as Trustee and Recording Secretary for more than 20 years.



She was a powerful voice in support of the civil rights movement. She served with distinction on numerous boards, committees and commissions, both public and private, with the mission of making equal rights and justice a reality for women and minorities.



She was appointed to serve on Chicago’s Human Rights Commission and soon was a leading member of the group. When she tried to resign at one point, citing duties at the local, her request was denied by then Chicago Mayor Richard Daly. “I can appoint a new member to a commission anytime if needed, but where would I ever find another Clara Day? That’s the question,” he said.



Day’s proudest achievements included serving as a founding member of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) in 1974 and leading a delegation of her union members in the historic March on Washington in the company of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963.



Day was very active in the battle to pass the Equal Rights Amendment for women and was named as a spokesperson for women’s issues and other topics related to social justice. “Call Clara Day, that’s what you do if you want to get involved and make a difference,” said Gloria Steinem, women’s rights activist and co-founder of CLUW.



Day loved working to improve people’s lives and had great compassion for those around her. She did not seek the limelight for herself, in fact often was uncomfortable when attention fell on her. She preferred to use her skills, her heart and her strong bonds with the union, the community and leaders of the day to raise others up and shed light on the darkness of injustice.



Day was a founding member of the Teamsters National Black Caucus in 1976 and was honored for her contributions in August 2000.





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[Buffalo Soldier]

Clara Day was a class act. Her composure under fire was something to behold and admired. I was made a better person for having spent time in her presence.