Dear Family and Friends:

As we pause to reflect on this past year of "change" and "challenges", I want thank each of you individually and collectively for working so hard to support the mission of the A. Philip Randolph Institute.

The year 2009 will be noted in America’s history books as the year this Nation inaugurated its first African American president. What a momentous time to be involved in shaping the policies which affect all working Americans and their families--now and in the future!

As we get closer to the realization of equitable and quality healthcare reform, APRI has been on the forefront of activity to assure that Healthcare Reform will be a reality NOW! APRI leaders have been consistently engaged in support of the national Healthcare agenda to achieve this goal. In addition to our continued focus on Healthcare Reform and Healthcare Disparities during our past National Education Conferences, APRI delegates immediately accepted the challenge to "Stand Up for Healthcare!"

Armed with that Call to Action, I was personally proud to see my Brothers and Sisters, APRI leaders and members, taking the lead during the AFL-CIO Health Care Reform Campaign during the targeted Week of Action from November 5-16, 2009. Additionally, APRI leaders Melvin Montford representing North Carolina, John Lacy representing Indiana, and Jean Harvey representing Arkansas were invited to Washington, D.C. to lobby the respective Senators on this extremely important issue.

Support of this activity in our local communities has been received from Herman Bryant, president of Little Rock, Arkansas chapter; Wilbert Robinson, director, Midwest Region; and Lovette McGill, president of Miami-Dade chapter. Yes, we have been busy!

I am certain that many, many more of you responded wholeheartedly to this challenge. Please remember that we need to hear from you! Let’s make 2010 our year of "APRI Activists on the Move"! Let’s shout from the rooftops that, "APRI members do indeed…Organize! Mobilize! and Educate!"

And, to end the year on an inspiring note, I would encourage each and every one of you to send a letter of "Thanks" to Congressman Charles Rangel for his tireless work on House Resolution 150 which honors the life and work of our founder, Asa Philip Randolph. This resolution is a fitting testament to Brother Randolph’s leadership in securing equal employment and labor opportunities for all Americans. You may contact Congressman Rangel through his website: www.rangel.house.gov . Click on "contact me" to send your personal message to the Congressman.

On behalf of the National Board of Directors and Staff, we thank you for your leadership and for your personal commitment to continue to uphold the principles of the A. Philip Randolph Institute.

May this Season respond to your diligence with peace and prosperity for the New Year.

I look forward to greeting you in 2010.

Clayola Brown, President