LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Local 371 President Charles
Stephen Ensley, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his communi-
ty

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Charles Ensley died on Friday, June 18, 2010, at the age of
69; and
WHEREAS, President of Local 371 for 26 years, Charles Ensley was born
in Birmingham, Alabama; he grew up amid the civil rights campaigns of
the 1960s, and some of his principles came from his father, John, who in
the 1950s led African-American workers against brutal opposition in a
long battle for equal pay at the BIRMINGHAM NEWS; and
WHEREAS, Charles Ensley had unionism, equality and integrity in his
DNA; growing up in Birmingham as the youngest of four children, he
learned the importance of individual goals as well as group goals; and
WHEREAS, Charles Ensley graduated from Parker High School, at that
time, the largest black high school in the country; he later went on to
attend Howard University in Washington, DC; and
WHEREAS, Charles Ensley soon married, and both he and his wife,
Annette, moved to New York in 1965; he became a caseworker in the Bureau
of Child Welfare Bedford-Stuyvesant office, and also provided services
in tutoring kids in Harlem and educating welfare rights groups; and
WHEREAS, In 1982, after a hotly contested election, with more than 70%
of the vote, Charles Ensley became President of Local 371 and began
demanding more democracy and financial accountability in the union; and
WHEREAS, Charles Ensley was an innovative, independent leader with
high integrity; possessing an amazing sense of humor and a quick wit, he
fought with vigor and intelligence, and was proud of winning dignity and
job protections for his members and never wavered in his steadfast
determination to pursue a progressive agenda; and
WHEREAS, Charles Ensley believed that diversity is a major source of
the strength of the Union; regardless of race, gender, blue collar or
professional, the common ground has been defending the rights of every
single union member; and
WHEREAS, Under Charles Ensley's leadership as a tough negotiator,
Local 371 became the "Mighty, Mighty Union" and membership grew from
9,000 to 17,000 members; he received numerous awards for his work, among
them the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2001; and
WHEREAS, Charles Ensley served on a number of boards, including the
AFSCME International Executive Board; he enjoyed jazz, theatre, and
reading that ranged from Russian literature to the French existential-
ists, with a particular interest in black history and the development of
the black novel; in addition, he was a collector of black art and
surrounded himself with some of the well known and lesser-known artists
from around the world; and
WHEREAS, Prior to his death, Charles Ensley asked that everyone,
particularly Local 371 members, use time, energy and resources in main-
taining the Mighty, Mighty Union; he was a true asset to society; and
WHEREAS, Charles Ensley distinguished himself in his profession and by
his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, Charles Ensley's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Charles Ensley is survived by his wife, Annette, his sister,
Barbara Jean, his nephews, Bradley and Clarence, his niece, Imani, along
with many cousins; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Charles Ensley's life was
a portrait of service, a legacy which will long endure the passage of
time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and
befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Local 371 President Charles Stephen Ensley, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Charles Ensley.