Dear Supporters,

We want to provide you with an important update regarding our ongoing efforts following the recent racist photo incident involving SEIU 503. Your support has been very important, and we appreciate every signature and share.

We have sent a letter to SEIU 503 leadership reiterating our demands and concerns. Here’s a summary of our current stance and the actions we expect:

1. Meeting with AFRAM 503 and the Accountability and Equity Coalition (AEC): We are still awaiting confirmation of a meeting date and time, as we indicated in our previous email. This discussion is essential for moving forward.
2. Formal Written Apology: We have demanded a written apology to Ibrahim Coulibaly from President Johnny Earl and Executive Director Melissa Unger, acknowledging the harm caused. The deadline for this apology was today, August 4, 2025. As of now, we are still waiting for confirmation of completion.
3. Independent Investigation: We insist on a full, member-led investigation into the incident, which must include input from Anton Farmby, President of the AFRAM International Caucus. This investigation should start within 60 days of our letter's receipt.
4. Whistleblower Protections: Immediate implementation of protections for all members participating in the investigation is essential. Unfortunately, reports of retaliation have already surfaced, highlighting the urgent need for these protections to be honored.
5. Consequences for Involvement: We expect the termination or removal of all individuals involved in the creation and dissemination of the racist image within 15 days of the investigation's conclusion.
6. Public Accountability: A transparent town hall process must follow the investigation, where SEIU leadership will share results and engage in meaningful dialogue with members.
7. Union-Wide Audit: We demand a union-wide audit of SEIU 503 practices that have historically silenced or excluded workers, to be completed within six months post-investigation by SEIU International.

It is disheartening to witness attempts to pressure individuals against signing our petition or to retract their names. Such actions undermine our collective voice and are unacceptable. Additionally, the use of divisive tactics based on white privilege to fracture solidarity among Black leaders is alarming and reflects poorly on the current leadership.

As dues-paying members, we are deeply concerned about how our resources are being utilized. Instead of addressing the issue at hand, it seems efforts are being made to silence those advocating for change.

We remain steadfast in our demand for public accountability and respect for the voices of those directly impacted. The lack of serious engagement from union leadership has been disappointing, and we continue to feel unheard.

Thank you for your ongoing support. We will keep you updated as we await a response from SEIU 503 leadership that demonstrates genuine engagement with these critical issues. Please continue to share and encourage support. 

In solidarity, 

Accountability and Equity Coalition