In Memoriam

Sister Donna believed deeply in the labor movement and was involved in countless initiatives and programs. She was a fierce advocate for working people and strongly believed in our collective power. With enthusiasm, determination and plenty of personality Donna was an advocate, coalition builder and friend. She will be greatly missed by her CLUW community. May her memory be a blessing.

Rest well Sister Donna, in peace, power & infinite glory 💕 

Donna Brockington began her journey in the labor movement in the early ‘90s as a member of AFGE Local 32 in Washington, DC. There she represented employees at her employing agency, the US Office of Personnel Management. Her local leadership positions included treasurer, secretary, steward and contract negotiator. Outside the local, Donna used her passion as a labor and community organizer to promote the economic welfare of women and families through political and legislative action.

Donna’s singlehanded efforts to win local and national candidate elections resulted in the registration and political education of over 150 first-time voters. These new voters included high school students, community residents, and halfway house occupants.

As a neighborhood Block Captain in Single Member District (SMD) 4D04, she "connected the dots" between labor, the community and like-minded organizations on issues relating to women and working families. She was eventually elected to the position of vice president with the Block Captains of SMD 4D04, then as an elected position of Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) in SMD 4D04, of which she served for 10 years. She used her position as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) to give labor leaders opportunities to speak directly with citizens.

As Donna’s interests expanded, she moved beyond the local union to serve in regional and national positions within her union. These positions included district youth advocate, national legislative and political action coordinator, and delegate to the National Capital Area Council (Council 1), District of Columbia and Maryland State AFL-CIO and DC Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO. With this exposure, she participated in AFGE’s political/legislative panel discussions, championing others to march in rallies, participate in labor walks, and phone banks to endorse political candidates.

She also raised women’s and working families' concerns at political, labor and community forums. It is no surprise that Donna served several elected terms as president of Metro DC CLUW and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner. These positions allowed Donna to advocate for her constituents' concerns before the DC City Council and Capitol Hill lawmakers.

In 2011, AFGE recognized her for advocacy in promoting and defending women's rights in the workplace and community.

In 2016, the Baltimore Teachers Union awarded Donna their Lifetime Achievement Award.

Donna continued to be a staunch advocate for equal pay for women, equal rights, affordable housing and healthcare, contraceptive equity, affordable education, protection from discrimination, sexual harassment and violence at work, and protection of our children and senior population. She was also a champion for those with mental and physical disabilities and veterans. She consistently promoted safe workplaces, educational health programs, involvement in the legislative and political process, and avenues to improve the lives of women and working families.

Sister Donna was a formidable force in the D.C. labor community. Throughout the years she fought for workers rights and built solidarity with labor union women locally and nationally.