ILWU pensioner, community and labor leader, and San Francisco Redevelopment Commissioner Leroy King was honored by over 200 people on May 17th. A bronze bust of King, sculpted by artist Dina Angel-Wing, was unveiled at the Jazz Heritage Center in San Francisco’s Fillmore District in recognition of King’s many contributions to San Francisco and for his work to preserve the African-American and Japanese- American heritage of the Fillmore District. King has served on the Redevelopment Commission since August 19, 1981.
District 5 Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi spoke at the event. “I am proud as the supervisor for this district to know that a constituent of mine is also a hero of mine,” Mirkarimi said of King. “I get worried sometimes when I= hear that there are young people who neighborhood or their own city. That is why it is so important to recognize great leaders like Leroy. This is a people’s history that we have an obligation to make sure gets told.”
Local 6 Secretary Treasurer Fred Pecker read a letter on behalf of ILWU President Robert McEllrath who was unable to attend the event. “I want to offer our appreciation for your tireless efforts to secure a better life for San Francisco’s families by your work on the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency Commission,” the letter stated.
“For over 30 years on the commission, an amazing tenure in itself, you have fought for good schools, well planned developments, senior housing, recreational opportunities for children and much more. Your work on the commission has mirrored your contributions to the ILWU, now well in excess of 60 years. Thousands of rank and file ILWU members both active and retired are better off today due to your hard work, commitment and dedication.”