About Long Island CBTU
Long Island Coalition of Black Trade Unionists is a part of the national CBTU that was founded in 1972. The Long Island CBTU was founded in May 2001 by President Rudy Bruce, Barbara Jones, Les Eason, several other CSEA members along with 4 other unions. Rudy Bruce remained President from 2001 until July 2011 when Alan Jennings took over the reins. The Long Island Chapter is one of 50 chapters nationwide. In 2004, after only 3 years of existence, Long Island was named the best chapter in the nation.
CBTU is not a black separatist or civil rights organization. It is the fiercely independent voice of black workers within the trade union movement, challenging organized labor to be more relevant to the needs and aspirations of Black and poor workers. At the same time, CBTU is recognized as a potent economic and political force within the African American community. One of every five black workers (20%) belongs to a union, and black union members earn 40 percent more than do non-union black workers.
On Long Island, CBTU is active with many events throughout the year that raise funds to be used in the local community, including providing scholarships for deserving young students. They also contribute resources to various charities and donate clothing and school supplies to those in need. CBTU is very influential in the political arena as many local government officials often attend events and support the values of this organization. Long Island CBTU participates in Get Out the Vote (GOTV) each year as they supply non partisan literature to the communities about issues, while not making endorsements. The Long Island CBTU board educates children on specific issues so they can go door to door and inform members of the community.
CBTU is not a black separatist or civil rights organization. It is the fiercely independent voice of black workers within the trade union movement, challenging organized labor to be more relevant to the needs and aspirations of Black and poor workers. At the same time, CBTU is recognized as a potent economic and political force within the African American community. One of every five black workers (20%) belongs to a union, and black union members earn 40 percent more than do non-union black workers.
On Long Island, CBTU is active with many events throughout the year that raise funds to be used in the local community, including providing scholarships for deserving young students. They also contribute resources to various charities and donate clothing and school supplies to those in need. CBTU is very influential in the political arena as many local government officials often attend events and support the values of this organization. Long Island CBTU participates in Get Out the Vote (GOTV) each year as they supply non partisan literature to the communities about issues, while not making endorsements. The Long Island CBTU board educates children on specific issues so they can go door to door and inform members of the community.
Carolyn Jones-Washington Memorial Scholarship
We are pleased to announce the Carolyn Jones-Washington Memorial scholarship for 2025. Scholarships for $1000 each will be awarded. To be eligible, you must meet all requirements: 1) The applicant’s parent or guardian must be a member in Good Standing of CBTU or an AFL-CIO Affiliate. 2) The application (Google Form) must be filled out and all other necessary documents uploaded. It is also especially important that you provide the required verification data for the application. (Failure to meet ALL criteria will disqualify your application.) Scholarship form link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1JPxsbcWrHihL2xjk3j22M-dMZE2zdHQoYOFTIipd8BT5qQ/viewform?usp=sharing CRITERIA FOR SCHOLARSHIP 1. Parent/guardian must be a member in Good Standing of CBTU or AFL CIO Union Affiliate. 2. A High School senior or College freshman. 3. Two letters of recommendation from either of the following must be submitted Dean - Teacher - Academic/ Guidance Counselor - Youth Association - Church 4. An essay of 500 words must be submitted based on one (1) of the following topics: What do you think it takes to be successful in life? or What contributions have unions made to you and your family? Completed application (including all uploads) must be submitted no later than May 10, 2025.
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SAVE THE DATE!!!!
Our Annual Fall Scholarship Gala will be held at Jericho Terrace on October 16th, 2025. |
CBTU Long Island Chapter Executive Board

President: Alan Jennings
1st VP: Les Eason
2nd VP: Moses Newsome
Treasurer: Stan Bergman
Secretary: Selina Durio
Trustees: Rutha Bush, Ruby Thomas, Anthony Garcia, William Kee, Shirley Baker
President Emeritus: Rudy Bruce
1st VP: Les Eason
2nd VP: Moses Newsome
Treasurer: Stan Bergman
Secretary: Selina Durio
Trustees: Rutha Bush, Ruby Thomas, Anthony Garcia, William Kee, Shirley Baker
President Emeritus: Rudy Bruce