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Howard Theatre · Washington, D.C.

Honoring Labor Leader Lee Saunders

A Retirement Celebration · AFSCME

The National Action Network joined labor leaders, elected officials, and friends to celebrate the retirement of AFSCME President Lee Saunders, one of America's great labor leaders, after a lifetime of service to working people.

Ashley Sharpton, President Joe Biden, Rev. Al Sharpton, Lee Saunders, and Dr. Jill Biden at the AFSCME retirement celebration
From left: Ashley Sharpton, President Joe Biden, Rev. Al Sharpton, Lee Saunders, and Dr. Jill Biden.

At the historic Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C., the National Action Network's President and Founder, Rev. Al Sharpton, helped celebrate his longtime friend, AFSCME President Lee Saunders, as leaders from across the country recognized his retirement after a lifetime of service to working people.

Rev. Sharpton was joined by his daughter, Ashley Sharpton, as they came together with so many friends and leaders to honor Lee and the tremendous impact he has made on the labor movement and on working families across this country.

Also on hand to salute Saunders were President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden, as the room came together to recognize a man who has dedicated so much of his life to service, leadership, and the dignity of working people. For NAN, the evening was a reminder that the fight for civil rights and the fight for labor rights have always marched together.

"Lee, congratulations on an extraordinary career. Titles may change, but the relationships, the work, and the impact remain. Proud to call you my friend."

Rev. Al Sharpton · President & Founder, National Action Network

The National Action Network congratulates Lee Saunders on a remarkable career and thanks him for a lifetime of standing up for workers and their families.

From the Celebration

A Salute to Working People

Rev. Al Sharpton speaks at the AFSCME retirement celebration honoring Lee Saunders The Howard Theatre stage during the retirement celebration honoring Lee Saunders
Watch

A Warm Greeting

Rev. Al Sharpton greets President Joe Biden, with Lee Saunders, Dr. Jill Biden, and Ashley Sharpton, at the AFSCME retirement celebration.

Friends & Allies

In Good Company

Rev. Al Sharpton speaks with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi backstage at the AFSCME celebration
Rev. Al Sharpton with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.
Rev. Al Sharpton with Lee Saunders, Clayola Brown, Derrick Johnson, and Maya Wiley
With Lee Saunders and fellow leaders in the fight for civil and workers' rights: Clayola Brown, President of the A. Philip Randolph Institute; Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP; and Maya Wiley, President and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.
Rev. Al Sharpton with Lee Saunders and his wife Lynne
Rev. Sharpton with brother Lee Saunders and his wife, Lynne.
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