1996 Eugene V. Debs - Norman Thomas - Michael Harrington Dinner
The 38th Annual Dinner was held on May 3, 1996, at the Congress Hotel in Chicago. Roberta Lynch was the Master of Ceremonies. Retired Congressman Charles A. Hayes presented the award to Maxie Hill. Carl Shier presented the award to Deborah Meier. Deborah Meier gave the Dinner Address.
Copies of the 1996 program book are available upon request. We would appreciate a $1 contribution per copy to cover costs. Send to:
Chicago DSA 1608 N. Milwaukee, Room 403 Chicago, IL 60647
Maxie D. Hill
Labor Leader
Activist
Activist
You rose from the bake shop at Dolly Madison, where you began working in 1948, to become President of Local 1 of the Bakery, Confectionery and Tobacco Workers International Union. In this position, you have served with distinction since 1982. You also serve ably as a Vice-President of the Illinois State AFL-CIO.
Along the way, you have held many union positions. You were instrumental in organizing workers into your union and helped negotiate some of the finest settlements within the industry.
As a union leader and through the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, you have labored tirelessly to bring more African - Americans into the leadership of union locals.
With heart and enthusiasm, you have for decades supported the fight for justice for farm workers of this nation. You worked to preserve the Charles A. Hayes Labor and Community Center and you were part of the historic struggle to end apartheid in South Africa.
You have long been active in your community and are most devoted to your family. You and your wife, Lillie Mae Hill, will celebrate your 44th wedding anniversary on June 7th, and we add our congratulations.
Maxie Hill, for your great dedication
to the labor movement and to workers everywhere, the Debs - Thomas
- Harrington Dinner Committee hereby presents to you its annual
award this 3rd day of May, 1996.
Deborah Meier
Educator
Activist
Author
Activist
Author
In the midst of chaos, you have created a community.
In the midst of poverty, you have enriched the lives of the impoverished.
In the face of skepticism, you have shown that the poor can learn.
In the face of cynicism, you have demonstrated that public education can work.
Your creation, Central Park East, stands as testimony to the power of your ideas and your ideals, the ideals of equality, democracy, and community which you share with Eugene V. Debs, Norman Thomas, and Michael Harrington in whose names this award is given.
Your work and your life bring honor to their memory and renewal to their legacy.
For your dedication in the fight for a just society, the Debs- Thomas- Harrington Dinner Committee hereby presents to you its annual award this 3rd day of May, 1996.
Maxie Hill and Lillie Mae Hill with colleagues from Bakery, Confectionery and Tobacco Workers International Union Local 1. A bit less than two weeks after the Dinner, Maxie Hill died unexpectedly. Photo by Kathy Devine.