TNBC Celebrates 2023 black history month

A Salute to Today's Black Union Leaders & Activists

TNBC Chicago Chapter proudly celebrates Black History Month!
This year, we recognize Black Labor Union Leaders & Activists who have spearheaded numerous movements and kept the traditions of fighting for worker's rights, equality and political action alive. Black History Month continues to emphasize removing barriers and authentically connecting across the spectrum.

1. WILLIE FORD: IBT Trustee At-Large, and President/Principal Officer of Local 71
2. DR. ROBIN COOPER: President/Principal Officer of Local 502
3. RICHARD HOOKER, Jr: Secretary-Treasurer, Local 632
4. JAMES WRIGHT: IBT Vice President At-Large and President of Local 822
5. JAMES JONES: President/Principal Officer of Local 667
6. GREG FLOYD: IBT Vice President At-Large and President of Local 237
7. CATHERINE COBB: President of Local 2010

DEBRA SIMMONS-PETERSON
​Ms. Debra Simmons-Peterson joined Teamsters Local Union No. 743 in 1975 while working in the Transportation Department of Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Hospital. In 2003, Ms. Simmons-Peterson resigned from her position in the Transportation Department to pursue her own entrepreneurial endeavors.
She enthusiastically returned to IBT Local 743 in 2008, serving as a Union Representative. In 2010, she was appointed to serve as the Vice President of IBT Local 743 and subsequently elected to the position of Secretary-Treasurer in 2011.
Debra was elected to her current position as President of Local 743 in 2013, making her the first African American female to be elected to this position. Debra has also served as the President of Teamsters Joint Council No. 25 Women’s Committee and on the Teamsters Volunteers in Politics (T.V.I.P.) Committee.

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RAMON D. WILLIAMS
Ramon D. Williams is a longtime Teamster member, organizer, and business agent. Having worked as a rank and file member for more than two decades, Ramon began working for the Teamsters as an organizer for Teamsters Joint Council 25 in 2006.He has worked on dozens of local and national Teamsters organizing campaigns, including United Airlines and First Student School Bus Company.
Ramon, who still holds his commercial driver’s license, worked as a driver for nearly 20 years and is a former member of Teamsters Local 705 and Local 731. He also served as a Business Agent for Local 726 before starting as a Business Agent for Local 700 in 2010.
A second-generation Teamster, Ramon’s father, worked as a motor truck driver in the City of Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation. Prior to being elected President in 2019, Ramon also served as Local 700’s Organizing Director and Executive Assistant for many years. Additionally, he served as the Recording Secretary on the Local 700 Executive Board.