ILWU International Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus Curtis McClain died Sunday, Nov. 6 from complications from cancer at the age of 80. McClain served as ILWU Secretary-Treasurer from 1977 to 1991 under the leadership of International President James Herman. McClain was voted “Emeritus” status upon his retirement at the 1991 ILWU International Convention in Seattle.

McClain was elected as the first black warehouse Local 6 Business Agent in 1960 and elected the first black President of Local 6 in 1969 and served in that position until he was elected as International Secretary-Treasurer in 1977, again the first Black to hold that position.

McClain was also active in African-American community affairs and was part of the first generation of rank-and-file leaders who scored major breakthroughs in opening up leadership in the trade union movement to people of all races. Over the years he was also active in the movements for peace, disarmament and international trade union solidarity.

“Curtis knocked down barriers and opened doors in the union and the community,” said ILWU International Secretary-Treasurer William Adams. “He was one of a handful of African American activists of his generation that changed the ILWU.”

A memorial will be held for McClain on Saturday, Dec. 3 at San Francisco clerks’ Local 34 hall (4 Berry Street) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The McClain family requests any donations be made in Curtis’ name to the American Cancer Society. Messages of condolences to the family can be sent in care of the International. For further info contact ILWU Executive Secretary Linda Kuhn at 415-775-0533.