Black History Month Profiles: Chris Puckett

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 Chris Puckett of the United Steelworkers (USW).

Chris Puckett has been an X11 fitter and a USW member for 23 years. He has served on the Local 8888 grievance and bargaining committees, and helped to organize the first Hampton Roads chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, where he is sergeant-at-arms and sits on the Region 2 board. He’s also the labor and industry chair of the NAACP of Newport News, Virginia.

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

Tags: Black History Month

We'll Get Through This Together: 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.

Alaska AFL-CIO:

Our labor movement could not exist without the work of Black union members and leaders.

During #BlackHistoryMonth and every month, America's unions fight for racial justice in the workplace and beyond. pic.twitter.com/W3PQ09TY1Y

— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) February 2, 2026

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:

This week, SoCal @UFCW healthcare workers joined their @unacuhcp sisters and brothers on the picket line, as they protest Kaiser Permanente’s unfair labor practices! We stand in solidarity with all the workers striking for a fair contract! pic.twitter.com/Tbfh4kzgW6

— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) February 10, 2026

Illinois AFL-CIO:

Early voting is underway across Illinois and begins in Cook County on Thursday! Visit the Illinois State Board of Elections website to find the exact date early voting starts in your community: https://t.co/fAPS2fVITD pic.twitter.com/BCmREOAcNa

— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) February 9, 2026

Maine AFL-CIO:

After the first firefighter union in Maine dissolved in 1921, its officers either died or left the fire service due to PTSD. Their stories serve as a clear example of why they needed the rights and protections that a union could have provided.https://t.co/svGvbzozEE

— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) February 6, 2026

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

Share this with any veteran you know who might be looking for a career change! pic.twitter.com/lEbjctysnk

— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) February 2, 2026

Michigan State AFL-CIO:

Love is solidarity. Solidarity is love. We'll get through this together. https://t.co/dw42AMbJzv

— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) February 9, 2026

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

From health care workers and letter carriers to transit workers and educators, the message has been clear: keep ICE out of our workplaces. #iceoutmn #BetterInAUnion https://t.co/JrcQW53v3a

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) February 9, 2026

Missouri AFL-CIO:

Not if we have anything to say about it! Honest Day’s Pay for an Honest Day’s Work, FOR EVERYONE! #solidarity https://t.co/XCmr3k7ewG

— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) February 10, 2026

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

Sometimes you gotta put the tools down and call a member of @IBEW for the best results⚡️✨ pic.twitter.com/toYBwWYoZl

— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) February 10, 2026

New York State AFL-CIO:

“The NY FAIR News Act will uphold journalists’ credibility, safeguard the integrity of news reporting and strengthen public trust. These common-sense guardrails are essential for a healthy democracy.” -President Mario Cilento https://t.co/fEVx6eKehd

— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) February 2, 2026

Oregon AFL-CIO:

Oregon AFL-CIO Political & Legislative Director Catie Theisen testified before the Oregon House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary last week in support of a bill that protects immigrants from discrimination.

Demand that representatives pass the Immigrant Justice Package… pic.twitter.com/zlYtj5HbzI

— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) February 10, 2026

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

President Ferritto and Secretary-Treasurer Cobb were at the PA Capitol today for @governorshapiro’s 2026-27 budget address. 

Read our full statement ➡️ https://t.co/exX2Em9eUG pic.twitter.com/NsAJAecgI4

— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) February 4, 2026

Texas AFL-CIO:

This Black History Month, we honor Frank Wallace — a trailblazer for Texas labor and civil rights who desegregated workplaces long before federal laws required it. His leadership over 39 years uplifted every worker in our state.

Read more: https://t.co/8WPosnKu0A pic.twitter.com/kc7vtwghe5

— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) February 10, 2026

Vermont State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:

The Vermont AFL-CIO stands in unwavering solidarity with Steven Tendo, a union member and dedicated health care worker who was detained by ICE this morning outside one of his workplaces in Shelburne. Read our full statement here:https://t.co/DmKpFM6txF

— Vermont AFL-CIO #UnionYes (@VT_AFLCIO) February 4, 2026

Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:

Yesterday we reminded our elected officials that worker power is the strongest force in this state.
Big thanks to LDs 23, 25, and 30 for submitting their photos of the day