The Legal Defense Fund (LDF) is deeply saddened by the death of William “Bill” Lucy, a visionary leader of the labor movement and champion of civil and human rights. During his tenured commitment to public service, Lucy worked tirelessly to advance economic justice across the globe. Mr. Lucy passed away at 90 years old in Washington, DC.
LDF President and Director-Counsel Janai Nelson issued the following statement:
“We mourn the loss of William Lucy, an ardent champion for labor, civil, and human rights, and extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones and to the countless lives he touched. Over more than seven decades, Mr. Lucy was a fearless and transformative leader on the frontlines of the labor and civil rights movements who untiringly advanced initiatives to uplift vulnerable communities and advocate for justice, equity, and freedom.
“As a central figure in expanding labor union opportunities and economic justice for Black workers, Mr. Lucy marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his hometown of Memphis to defend sanitation workers’ rights. In 1972, Mr. Lucy co-founded the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and in 1984, Mr. Lucy co-founded the Free South Africa Movement (FSAM), a primary force in catalyzing the anti-apartheid movement within the United States. Mr. Lucy served as secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) for nearly four decades, the largest trade union of public employees in the nation, and became the first African American president of Public Services International (PSI). Alongside his indefatigable support for labor justice, Mr. Lucy was also involved in LDF-led efforts to defend desegregation and advance political participation within Black communities.
“As we reflect on Mr. Lucy’s life and his innumerable contributions to our nation and the world, we recognize his enduring legacy. His selfless dedication in the relentless pursuit of equality and justice will continue to inspire and shape future generations.”
Read the full tribute here.
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Legal Defense Fund (LDF) – Founded in 1940, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) is the nation’s first civil rights law organization. LDF’s Thurgood Marshall Institute is a multi-disciplinary and collaborative hub within LDF that launches targeted campaigns and undertakes innovative research to shape the civil rights narrative. In media attributions, please refer to us as the Legal Defense Fund or LDF. Please note that LDF has been completely separate from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) since 1957—although LDF was originally founded by the NAACP and shares its commitment to equal rights.
