In November 2008, just weeks before her death, AQ sat down with us for a series of interviews. The following is an excerpt from one of these sessions. AQ always expressed the belief that the union was a way for “working people to take control over their own lives and contribute to the welfare of the larger community.” We asked her about practical ways the ILWU helped make this a reality.
In 1954, Ah Quon was hired as a fulltime social worker by the union. At the same time her friend, David Thompson, was hired as education director. Ah Quon now had an opportunity to help shape rank and file education, turning theory into practice and strengthening the union.