Cleophas Williams

My Life Story in the International Longshore & Warehouse Union Local 10

This book is a compilation of Cleophas Williams’ writings—selected by Clarence Thomas and edited by Delores Lemon-Thomas, in consultation with Sadie Williams. Every effort has been made to stay true to the original manuscripts.

Cleophas Williams provides the reader with a rare view of the esoteric world of a working waterfront and the challenges, achievements, and problems he faced as the first African American president of the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 10; a labor union known for its legacy of militancy and international solidarity.

Although the ILWU as an organization was committed to equal opportunity and opposed to all forms of discrimination, Blacks in the ILWU still had to confront the scourge of systematic racism and white skin privilege. Cleophas has chronicled such occurrences in Local 10 with unabashed clarity.

He documented his evolution from a rank-and-file member to becoming a leader responsible for carrying out the duties of an elected official.

Cleophas Williams’ election as president of ILWU Local 10 in 1967, made him the highest elected African American to serve as an officer in the entire ILWU. His distinguished career spanned 38 years.

Cleophas Williams’ story is introduced by Clarence Thomas, a leading African American radical labor and community activist.
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