EMU Today

YPSILANTI - Common Ground Educational Foundation (CGEF) and Eastern Michigan University’s Professional Program and Training will host the first African Americans in Unions Leadership Conference Thursday, Feb. 24 through Sunday, Feb. 27. 

The four-day conference is designed for union or non-union workers and leaders from various industries to help build community, explore new ideas, and learn strategies and skills that will help guide them through the challenges workers face today. 

CGEF stated, “The African Americans In Unions Leadership Conference came from the vision and collective work of the Common Ground Education Foundation. Several activists created the Foundation to bring forth to the community quality labor education. CGEF seeks to fulfill the aspirations of all workers through labor education to achieve a pool of labor leaders at all levels in the labor movement.”

There will be a variety of general workshops and 10 topic-focused workshops like print media, labor history, financial planning, and collective bargaining. 

General sessions and workshops will be held at the Ann Arbor Marriott in Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, 1275 S. Huron St. There is a $600 registration and a $60 meal fee. For a detailed schedule and registration information, visit leadership conference information, or register by mail using this form.  

“Eastern’s Professional Programs & Training is pleased to partner with CGEF and support the 2022 conference,” said Elizabeth Stoner, director of Business Engagement and Non-Credit Initiatives at Eastern. Ford and General Motors have approved the conference for those employees who want to use tuition assistance program funds for this professional development opportunity.” 

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 16,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral, and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences, and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors, and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.