Black History Month Profiles: Dawn Ashford

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 Dawn Ashford of AFSCME.

As a family services specialist, Dawn Ashford provides hope for families in Las Vegas. Ashford has dedicated over 30 years to various public service roles, from street outreach to supporting HIV/AIDS patients and more. “Seeing the look on a client’s face when they realize they will be able to get groceries this week or finally see a doctor—basic needs we sometimes take for granted—is what keeps me motivated to continue this work.” 

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/03/2026 - 10:31

Tags: Black History Month

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Union Leader Taylor Rehmet Elected to Texas Senate

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Taylor Rehmet—an IAM Union District 776 member and the president of IAM Union Local 776B and the Texas IAM Union State Council—has won the special election race for Texas Senate District 9 this weekend, flipping the seat and defeating a candidate backed by President Trump.

“Taylor’s victory is a win for working people,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant in a press release. “Taylor understands the challenges workers face because he’s lived them. He brings the voice of the shop floor to the State Capitol, and we know he will fight every day for fair wages, strong labor protections, and opportunity for all Texans. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have an IAM Union member in the Texas Senate.”

“This is a huge win for Texas workers. Taylor embodies what it means to be a union leader — working together to address the struggles of real, everyday Texans,” said Texas AFL-CIO President Leonard Aguilar in a press release. “While state parties are trying to reconnect with the working class, we’re running union members up and down the ballot — and winning. Taylor’s historic win kicks off a slate of rank-and-file union members running for office to fight for all of us.”

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/03/2026 - 10:25