VOICES OF CHANGE : BREAKING BARRIERS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
“This conference is about breaking the barriers that divide us!” – Brian Bryant IAM International President
The IAM Human rights conference held in Atlanta from September 24-26, 2025 was a spectacular display of the abundant and powerful energy that our Union is charged with. It was a reminder that “when workers stand together, there is nothing that we can’t achieve.” The air was filled with incredible momentum and a shared commitment to tear down barriers.
Right from the opening session one thing was clear: The IAM isn’t watching the human rights movement from the sidelines – we are at the forefront, driving it forward.
The conference was kickstarted with an enthralling, powerful performance of the ‘Washerwoman strike of 1881’ by the versatile actress Deborah Strahon and a heartwarming Welcome and Land Acknowledgement speech by the dynamic IAM Human Rights Director Nicole Fears.
Day 1 had Richard Evans IAM Veterans Service Coordinator read the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Code of Conduct was read out in English, French and Spanish by Tiwaan Bradey, IAM Eastern Territory International Representative, Roya Rismankar, IAM Canadian Research Analyst and Juan Estrada, IAM Rail Division Special Representative.
The Keynote Speaker, IAM International President, Brian Bryant’s, impassioned speech had the members enthused and inspired to fight the good fight. “We are fighting for our rights and we will never surrender” he said. These words rang through the walls and filled the hearts of those present with a renewed vigour and resolve to ensure “justice on the job and service to the community.”
Dora Cervantes, IAM General Secretary – Treasurer, spoke about the IAM standing for respect, equality and no person being left behind. “The IAM has always been a fierce advocate for Human and Union rights” she said, in a reminder of the mission which is the cornerstone of our Union values and beliefs.
Other speakers of the day were Craig Martin, IAM Southern Territory GVP, Professor John Powell, of the UC Berkeley Othering and Belonging Institute and Bobby Martinez IAM Western Territory GVP. This was followed by an informative panel discussion about Strategies for a stronger Movement, led by Moderator Tanya Wallace-Gobern and included panelists Helena Thornton, Brandon Johnson and Katrina Coleman.
The last part of the day saw the members taking part in Breakout Sessions which were on relevant, contemporary issues and topics like, AFL-CIO Frontline Solidarity, Atlanta Coalition of Black Trade Unionist Pop-up, Mobilization Matters, Othering and Belonging Institute – Belonging as a practice, Strengthening your voice, Storytelling with the intent of Speed dating and The Game of Life.
Pictures from the day :
IAM HUMAN RIGHTS DIRECTOR – NICOLE FEARS
IAM INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT – BRIAN BRYANT
IAM GENERAL SECRETARY TREASURER – DORA CERVANTES
DEBORAH STRAHORN : Actress Debra Strahorn performed in a recreation scene of the Washerwoman’s Strike of 1881 in Atlanta. The women had gone on strike in July 1881 over low pay, lack of respect, and working conditions in what some consider one of the first revolts against Jim Crow laws in the South. It succeeded in demonstrating that organized labor is a real force in addressing social and economic issues that workers struggle with everywhere.
Delegates of Local 1231 gearing up for action
DELEGATES FROM LOCAL 1231 AND DISTRICT 78
Day 2 saw an impressive line-up of speakers including Jessica DeMarco-Jacobson,- Jewish Community Leader, South Georgia, Richie Johnsen – IAM Air Transport Territory GVP, David Sullivan IAM Eastern Territory GVP, Carla Siegel IAM General Counsel, Lisa Vallen – Georgia State University, Southern Labor Activist, Julie Frietchen – IAM Women’s and Young Workers Director and Peter Greenberg – IAM International Affairs Director.
Quote of the Day by Julie Frietchen, IAM Women’s and Young Workers Director : “IF YOU ASK WHAT YOUR UNION HAS DONE FOR YOU, IT HAS FOUGHT AGAINST RACISM, AGEISM, SEXISM AND GIVEN YOU THE RIGHTS YOU HAVE TODAY.”
Memorable quote : “Human Rights are not just for a few, but an inherent protection for all.” – Richie Johnsen
Another emotional Breaking Barriers Panel Discussion spearheaded by moderator Steve Miller on the topic of the IAM’s fight for Immigration Justice brought the room to tears. Panelist Maximo “Kuya Max” Londonio, and his family narrated their harrowing tale of his detention for two months by ICE.
MARCHING ORDERS FOR DAY 2 :
1) Defend when someone says ” I don’t do Human Rights” with ” Human Rights is Justice.”
2) Lift up your wins
3) Be the Bridge, take it home!
The evening had a relaxing Yoga and Wellness Session by Certified Instructor Marzette Van McCall.
PICTURES FROM DAY 2 :
DELEGATES GATHER FOR A GROUP PICTURE
Panelist Maximo “Kuya Max” Londonio and his wife Crystal Londonio with Stephanie Sepulveda
LOCAL 1231 AND DISTRICT 78 DELEGATES WITH BRIAN BRYANT, NICOLE FEARS AND JULIE FRIETCHEN
BREAKING BARRIERS PANELISTS
DISTRICT 78 DELEGATES
DORA CERVANTES AND JULIE FRIETCHEN
DAVID SULLIVAN
BREAKOUT SESSION
CARLA SIEGEL
LISA VALLEN
Day 3 : As the saying goes “All good things must come to an end.” The final day and curtain call saw impactful speeches by Stacey Abrams, Politician, Lawyer, Activist and Author, Yvonne T. Brooks, Georgia State AFL-CIO President, Evelyn DeJesus, Labour Council for Latin American Advancement President, Terry Melvin, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists President, Elise Bryant, Coalition of Labour Union Women President, Mikayla Robinson, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance President, Brittany Anderson, Pride at Work Interim Executive Director , Clayola Brown, A.Phillip Randolph Institute President and Hasan Solomon, IAM National Political and Legislative Director.
QUOTES OF THE DAY :
“Human Rights are non-negotiable ” – Evely DeJesus
“Human Rights are Union Rights” – Yvonne Brooks
“It’s not only about what is happening in our election, it is about what is happening to our people today.” – Terry Melvin
” A man of quality is not threatened by a woman seeking equality.” – Elise Bryant
“The constant fear of immigration policies is dividing families.” – Mikayla Robinson
“An attack on Federal Workers is an attack on organized labour. An attack on organized labour is an attack on all of us.” – Hassan Solomon
“Why are members of Congress so obsessed with people’s genitals?” – Brittany Anderson
There was the Raffle trip Winner Announcements and the Territory Roll Call with the Human Rights Committee Leaders coming to the stage, facilitated by Bryan Stymacks, Assistant Veterans Services Coordinator.
The evening came to an end with an awards ceremony, a Human Rights Committee Debrief and a closing celebration in the Grand Ballroom which included a Cultural Reception. Members danced the night away, dressed in colourful traditional costumes representing the diversity, inclusivity, tolerance, exuberance and richness of our great IAM Union.
PICTURES OF THE DAY :
REPORTS OF THE DELEGATES OF LOCAL 1231 :
DRUPATI BAZIL
The IAM UNION Human Rights Conference 2025, held at the Hilton Atlanta Hotel, U.S.A. from September 24, to September 26, under the theme, ‘Breaking Barriers’, was deemed extremely successful.
Delegates from Local 1231 and District 78 travelled from Toronto to Atlanta in two groups on September 22 and 23 respectively, and returned on September 28.
Key Note speakers at the opening ceremony included Brian Bryant, IAM International President; Dora Cervantes, General Secretary-Treasurer and Craig Martin, Southern Territory General Vice-President. Nicole Fears, IAM Human Rights Director, chaired the conference and the cultural reception and awards presentation on September 26.
The four-day event also featured Breaking Barriers Panels titled ‘Strategies for a Greater Movement’ and The IAM’s Fight for Immigration Justice. There were also Breakout Sessions; a Yoga and Wellness Session and strategies for Rallying on Stage as united voices.
Members attending the conference were Merry St. Bernard, President of Local 1231; Ben Osakue, Business Representative of District 78; Marcia Stone; Lystra Mohammed; Sabiha Khan; Drupati Bazil; Melissa McRooney-Apaw; Theresa Bukuroh; Rai Sagar; Rootisha Rampat-Sukhu and Vivianne Simon.
The theme ‘Breaking Barriers’, was chosen to reminded members that the fight for human rights is, at its core, a fight to dismantle the walls that divide, exclude, and silence workers. Throughout the sessions, delegates shared experiences of resilience, courage and hope.
An analysis was done of the systems and structures that perpetuate inequality, while ways to challenge and change these deficiencies through policy, activism, education and solidarity, were explored.
Presenters urged that breaking barriers means more than just removing physical and legal obstacles, but confronting deep-rooted prejudices, amplifying marginalized voices, and ensuring that everyone, regardless of race, gender, ability, identity, or status, can live with dignity and freedom.
The conference was not only informative but it inspired the membership and executives to advocate that human rights are not for a privileged few, but a legal and moral right for all.
Melissa McRonney Apaw
LYSTRA MOHAMMED :
The Human Right Conference was full of energy and enthusiasm from the very first day, registering and meeting familiar faces, hearing stories, chit chat, everyone was so excited, it Being the first Human Rights conference in 2025.
Walking this big city, I put myself in the shoes of the slaves hundreds of years before me and try to imagine what they must have gone through. It stirred up my spirit, This Huge beautiful city, full of high buildings and structures ,houses so big with lovely architectural designs was all built on the blood of slaves, It is a stain we will remember forever. The Government trying to erase from our history books, but the blood is under those buildings.
The table which I sat on had cards.
US CAMPAIGN FOR PALESTINIAN RIGHTS was originally founded in 2001 after the uprising against Israeli occupation. You see the importance of this campaign because of the massacre and injustice that is happening today to the Palestinian people. THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING AND NOT MUCH IS BEING DONE.
JOHN PETERS HUMPHERY Author of the first draft of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, was from NEW BRUNSWICK CANADA. His passion and desire was for equality, he was a key player of human rights which led to the forming the UNITED NATIONS
ROSA PARK We all know of Rosa Parks , made history by one small rebellious act, She saw the injustice “this single act of defiance was enough to spark a wave of action against the unfair treatment of black people .
TANGGOL MIGRANTE MOVEMENT “As ICE enforcement in the US has started abusing their power” It seems Like deja vu again, this movement support people and families displaced by ICE. It so reminds us of the panel discussion of Maximo “Kuya Max “ and of the injustice that was done to him.
Day 1 of the conference was the washer woman , who was on stage with the clothes of the time, when she started to talk , everyone was silent you could not hear a pin drop. Her voice was loud and clear she spoke so powerful, everyone was listening to her. The washerwoman strike of 1881 It was in Atlanta so it was momentous being in that city for the HRC .It helped organize over 3000 women.
It was an interracial strike force the most powerful strike of 1881. It was a strike for better wages and working conditions ,to give your children a better life, and stand against injustice wherever it may be. Hearing her talk about it touched my heart and I felt I was there in the moment, and could not imagine what it was like back then, and what they had to go through being different.
They were very courageous and set an example for us to follow. In the face of oppression, organizing can prevail.
The IAM Code of conduct spoke in French by Roya Rismankar from the Canadian Office made us proud we were in the room.
Brian Bryant IAM International President
The union started out as a railroad pit Machinist Breaking barrier and stood up for the break barriers there is nothing we cannot achieve,” smashing the walls that divide us, tearing down the walls Every local, is mandated to have a Human Rights Committee”
“The union does not take orders from Billionaire” this union fights for working people. This union will win and we will have a voice on their job and a seat at the table. We will never surrender. No place for the violence that is happening in this country Nobody deserves to be killed for his political beliefs.”
Highlights from Keynote speakers
Greg Fan and Bishop: Get up ,take up your bed and walk.
Dora cervantes IAM General Secretary Treasurer IAM union stand for respect , equally, no person should be left behind. To make leadership possible for people who are excluded from leadership. We must continue to remove our biases from our union fights for immigration rights.
WE ALL HAVE A STORY TO TELL
TOGETHER WE ARE MORE POWERFUL
The Break out session I attended was Othering and belonging , and Story telling with the Intent of Speed dating .Listening to the videos was very moving and powerful. Role playing and coloring ,seeing everyone different views about the same topic .
Julie Frietchen IAM Women’s &Young Workers Director
Talk about strength that a woman bring to the workforce makes as stronger, she talk about empowering women and the leads program steps.
1) Education2 )Shadowing component 3)Community Pillar small groups informally talk about what is going on.
Be more than a bystander 400 people in the leads program.
Dave Sullivan Raising the standard for the Human Dignity
Create a space where we can learn together. educate and communicate
Take this county back we can’t let a madman destroyed this country
NICLOE FEARS IAM HUMAN RIGHTS DIRECTOR you can feel the energy from her when she pass by, being the first human rights conference it was a great success, we have learnt so much from this conference for us to take back to members and share with them, when we see injustice we will fight and win. Quotes from Nicole “Rooted in Rights from the inside out “Every act of justice is a HUMAN RIGHTS WIN. Human rights is where no one is left out, color blind.”
We have to lift up those wins, Be the Bridge HUMAN RIGHTS DOESN’T STOP AT ATLANTA.
THERESA BUKOROH :
There were many speakers and many topics discussed but I will choose a few to highlight on.
The theme, the Human Right Director, Nicole Fears chose was “HUMAN RIGHT BREAKING BARRIERS”. It was a touchy word for me, when I looked back at the experience of what my Dad went through in 1979 that affected our entire family in my home country which was unbearable. A military government who took over the leadership at that time, fired all the civil servants without pay and without them being able to fight back due to fear of the leader who was a military personnel that ruled the nation. My Dad was one of those civil servants.
I will start by saying INJUSTICE equals Human Rights Equals RIGHTS. What I mean by this phrase is, Human Rights will not come to mind unless there is an injustice, and injustice brings denials of human rights, indignity, disrespect and lack of inclusivity. As what happened in the 1800s and 1900s, the washer women were one of the examples, no voting rights, racism, discrimination against religion, inequality etc.
When the IP talked about the 19 railroad workers and what they went through; working 16 hours straight, I was speechless. Though, I heard it from W3’s training, hearing it again at the conference was a different feeling.
Sister Nicole said “we were hired individually but it was the Union that brought us together as a family, and that was so true because together we are strong.
On day 2, sister Julie talked about how a person may apply for a job but due to race, that person may be disqualified.
I like how on day 3 brother Richie Johnston spoke about how a little kindness to a neighbour can go a long way.
Avana, talked about how there are many Unions but one voice. Human Rights is Union Rights, this is solidarity, we are our brothers and sisters keepers. I loved that.
Then Max’s story, I heard Max’s story on the news as it happened but it was nothing like meeting the actual person and listening to his narratives live. It was so touchy, I teared. This was a pure injustice that resulted in denial and he was treated inhumanely.
MARCIA STONE :
It’s been an honour for me to attend the Human Rights Conference which was held on the 23rd to the 26th of September 2025. I must thank the Executives and the members of Local 1231 who made it possible for me.
For the four days of being there I have learned so much more about Human Rights. I have received training in Mobilization and peaceful advocacy to take back to my Local committees. We hope to identify issues and concerns in our Local committees that can helped by the use of Union Solidarity.
I have heard of IAM members that have had recent success with organized actions from their Human Rights committees at their Local. I will work harder with our Local HR Committee so we can see some actions. I have met Brother Max and his family who was detained in the States by Ice as he was coming back from his vacation in the Philippines. I remember when our IP came here to the OPCM he mentioned that he is going back to fight for our Bro Max. I am proud to say IP Bryant went back and with the Human Right team did fight for Justice.
I am proud to say I am happy to be a part of this Diversity IAM Union. Solidarity forever because the Union make us strong. I will stand with my Union Sisters and Brothers no matter their race, colour, creed, gender, ability, age or sexual preference to build a united force, especially of how to bring people together by listening to their problems and work with them and show love. Let us make belonging a practice in our local and not just a value. We can only break barriers when we are united. All the speakers were amazing, I have learned so much history about this IAM Union during this conference than before.
This concludes the delegates reports.
The final Closing speech by IAM Human Rights Director Nicole Fears was a reminder that there was a lot of work to be done. We each have the responsibility to be torch bearers and carry the wisdom and knowledge we gained back to our membership and put it in practise.
“HUMAN RIGHTS ARE UNION RIGHTS”
IN CONCLUSION :
The Breaking Barriers Human Rights Conference in Atlanta served as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for collective action in the fight for justice, equity, and dignity for all. From passionate keynote speeches to solution-driven workshops, the event brought together advocates, policymakers, and community leaders committed to dismantling systems of oppression and building a more inclusive future. As voices from diverse backgrounds echoed a shared commitment to human rights, the conference not only sparked critical conversations but also laid the groundwork for lasting change. The momentum generated in Atlanta will continue to resonate, inspiring individuals and institutions alike to break barriers and stand up for what is right.
A big thank you to IAM’s Human Rights Director Nicole Fears and her team for orchestrating and delivering an incredible, powerful, impactful and well-executed conference!
“TO DENY PEOPLE HUMAN RIGHTS IS TO CHALLENGE THEIR VERY HUMANITY” – NELSON MANDELA