Courtney Jenkins - Work that Works for Workers
He's a proud postal worker and union man. Well, not just proud. Courtney Jenkins is committed to advancing policies that ensure the next generation of workers enjoy a living wage, benefits and all the privileges of the kinds of union work that contribute to a satisfying working life.
At age 31 he ran for Legislative Director to represent 200,000 fellow postal union workers at the national level. The incumbent held the office for more years than Courtney had lived. He didn't win the election, but he did gain a few things. He gained the support of both colleagues and competition. He also gained a new level of confidence in his leadership. This thirty-two-year-old has commitment that defies the negative stereotypes of Millennials in the workplace.
He shares a story that highlights the possibility and power of community policing. And by community, he's talking about every member of the community.
Courtney Jenkins is currently the President of the Baltimore Chapter of the Coalition for Black Trade Unionists.
Favorite songs: War's Don't Let Nobody Get You Down and Jay Z's Encore.
Favorite words: "Nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something" by Gil Scott-Heron
One last note...Courtney and his fiance are doing something by donating the proceeds from the sale of these "Legalize Melanin" t-shirts she designed to organizations that work toward racial justice.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit us at 365brothers.com.
About this podcast: In each episode, a Brother reflects on his life; explores the experience of being a Black man in America; shares his interactions with law enforcement; and answers the question "If America was a woman, what would you say to her?"
Every interview starts with getting-to-know-you questions about favorites, accomplishments and then goes deeper. You won't find a collection of conversations with Black men like this anywhere else. Hear their wisdom.
Host, Rahbin Shyne, is an author, educator, creative and avid half-marathon walker. Follow on Instagram @allthingshyne or on Facebook.
Interested in being a guest? Click here.
Special thanks to Sonji Walker, Shedrick Sanders, Abigail Gonzalez and Don Davis for their generous support.