San Francisco - Service Employees International Union (SEIU) International President Mary Kay Henry released the following statement today honoring SEIU Local 721 President Linda Dent, died at the age of 68 after battling pancreatic cancer:
“Linda dedicated her soul to advancing the rights of all working people, and made everyone’s lives around her better. As the first Black and first woman president of SEIU Local 721 she was a role model for all of us, regardless of our gender or color of our skin. Through the many leadership roles Linda held over decades in the labor movement she served her members and those who are fighting to have their voice heard.
“Linda believed in organizing and it is in her memory that we rededicate ourselves to achieving a country where every person has the ability to join a union. My thoughts are with her family, her 721 sisters and brothers, and everyone who is mourning this loss. May our sister, Linda Dent, rest in well-deserved peace and power.”