Black History Month Profiles: Colleen Carter

For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Colleen Carter  of AFSCME.

Colleen Carter has worked for the State of Connecticut for almost 40 years. She is the vice president of AFSCME Local 704, an executive board member for the state AFL-CIO and a vice president for District Council 4, where she co-chairs the civil rights committee. She believes strongly in employees’ rights and human rights, and works tirelessly in support of them.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/18/2026 - 09:37

Tags: Black History Month

Looking Back to Move Forward: In the States Roundup

It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on X.

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:

UNAC/UHCP has been on strike now for four weeks, fighting for safe staffing levels, timely access to quality care, fair wages and respect at the bargaining table. Meanwhile, Kaiser continues to engage in unfair labor practices that deny patients access to the quality of care… pic.twitter.com/xd7fg8u6lg

— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) February 18, 2026

Connecticut AFL-CIO:

Congratulations to our newly sworn in executive board members!

Rob Baril, SEIU District 1199 New England
Greg Schultz, Ironworkers Local 424 pic.twitter.com/zDBG1rI5uZ

— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) February 13, 2026

Florida AFL-CIO:

Ahead of Second Half of the Legislative Session, catch up on the latest from your Working Family Lobby Corps with this Week 5 Recap! https://t.co/U5UKWCtARf

— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) February 17, 2026

Illinois AFL-CIO:

Rain, shine, snow or sleet: the Illinois labor movement is out knocking doors for endorsed candidates. The primary election is around the corner and we won't rest until we make sure everyone understands why Springfield needs candidates that support working families. #1u pic.twitter.com/7NtagIMEvU

— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) February 17, 2026

Maine AFL-CIO:

When Jesse Jackson came to Maine in 1987 to support striking paper workers, he changed hearts & minds.

"Yesterday I wouldn't think of voting for a Black man for president," a woman striker said. "Tonight I gave him a check for his campaign."https://t.co/SysAFv3Zhq

— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) February 17, 2026

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

Rev. Jackson fought tirelessly for workers, both at home and around the world. He upheld the labor movement’s highest ideals—walking picket lines, supporting workers at the bargaining table, and insisting that women and people of color be fully included in union protections. RIP https://t.co/4UqrAvVLCN

— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) February 17, 2026

Michigan State AFL-CIO:

Sometimes you have to look back to move forwards. pic.twitter.com/SjY3doy9Ly

— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) February 16, 2026

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

Organized by the AFL-CIO, this protest was held in Hermantown, with attendees calling on the 8th district congressman to talk about the impact of ICE operations in the state. #iceoutmn https://t.co/SGBdN0J7cR

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) February 13, 2026

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

Happy Presidents’ Day! pic.twitter.com/8jdjZH6qI6

— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) February 16, 2026

Oregon AFL-CIO:

Hundreds of Oregonians rallied in Salem, urging the legislature to fund affordable childcare, healthcare, schools, public safety, and other essential services. The choice facing Oregon leaders is simple: expand tax breaks for big corporations and wealthy individuals or protect… pic.twitter.com/fAHB2cFjON

— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) February 17, 2026

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO joins communities across our Commonwealth in mourning the passing of Reverend Jessie Jackson, a steadfast voice for justice and a tireless advocate for workers’ rights. pic.twitter.com/zxDIyKqr3N

— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) February 17, 2026

Texas AFL-CIO:

Workers want a voice in how new technology is designed and implemented to improve our job quality and agency.

At the Texas AFL-CIO U.S. Senate Debate, ILA Local 24 1st Business Agent Calvin Mackie asked both @jamestalarico & @JasmineForUS how they’d tackle AI. Their answers: pic.twitter.com/Zm4MBkrUnZ

— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) February 18, 2026

Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:

We applaud the State Senators who voted to pass the Millionaires Tax to fund education, health care, and child care. 

WA is one step closer to sustainable revenue & a more fair tax code. pic.twitter.com/50Bu39QVP7

— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) February 18, 2026

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/18/2026 - 11:31