Bernard J. Firestone: Joy in Solidarity

Wayne State University’s Walter P. Reuther Library, College of Urban, Labor and Metropolitan Affairs, is pleased to announce the opening of “Bernard J. Firestone: Joy in Solidarity”. The exhibit features the extraordinary life and service of nationally recognized Detroit labor leader, Bernard “Bernie” J. Firestone. One of Detroit’s foremost social activists, Firestone was an advocate for anyone who faced oppression and injustice. His undergraduate and law degrees from Wayne State University, combined with a forty-year career with the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union, helped develop Firestone’s understanding of everyday struggles. Years of service to dozens of philanthropic organizations, workers’ rights, educational reform and causes of humanity defined his incredible devotion to making the world a better place. Sadly, that service was tragically cut short when a disgruntled retiree murdered Firestone on September 6, 1989.