Robert Branch
The Frontline:
Robert Branch, Security Officer, SEIU Industry VP - Security (Retired): Robert Branch was a pioneering advocate for security guards' rights during their unionization efforts, fighting to ensure all security personnel had access to fair wages, safe working conditions, and comprehensive training while strongly advocating for the use of the term "security officers" instead of "guards." Throughout his career, he rose to become an Industry Vice President for Security at SEIU, helping transform security from a job into a respected career. Even after retiring from his leadership position, Branch continues to serve actively as a Security Officer, demonstrating his enduring dedication to the profession he helped elevate.
Anton Farmby
The Torch Bearer:
Anton Farmby, as founding president of SEIU Local 2006, Security Officers United in Los Angeles (SOULA), Anton Farmby revolutionized labor organizing in Los Angeles. He led the 2010 merger creating SEIU United Service Workers West and negotiated the strongest security contract nationwide in 2023. His leadership has transformed service work into sustainable careers for thousands of working families. Under his leadership, his advocacy has led to improved wages, better working conditions, and expanded benefits for countless security officers. In addition, the union has grown in strength and solidarity, achieving groundbreaking improvements in worker rights, wages, and benefits while fostering a culture of empowerment and advocacy that continues to inspire communities across Los Angeles and beyond.
Jacqueline Johnson
The Strategist:
Jacqueline Johnson, former President of SOULA/Industry and VP - Security (Retired) and native Angeleno, her 15-year career led to co-founding SOULA (Security Officers United in Los Angeles). After SOULA's merger with SEIU, she served as Industry Vice President of Security for 16 years, championing workers' rights and professional standards. Though retired due to a workplace injury, Johnson remains active as an SEIU volunteer and assists Eaton Canyon fire victims in Altadena. Her thoughtful leadership approach and dedication to service continue to inspire security professionals and community leaders throughout Los Angeles.
Rev. Norman S. JohnsOn
The Strategist:
Rev. Norman S. Johnson, President Emeritus SCLC Los Angeles, under the guidance of SCLC Board Chair Rev. James Lawson, Rev. Johnson emerged as a pivotal force in uniting community, clergy, and labor. His commitment was demonstrated through SCLC-LA's support of labor struggles, including the 2002 Los Angeles school bus drivers' strike. Collaborating with organizer Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Rev. Johnson strategically mobilized religious leaders, including Rev. Cecil "Chip" Murray of First AME Church, Pastor Norman Copeland of Ward AME, and Rev. Joe Oliver. Through SCLC's King Week celebrations, Security Officers shared their stories from church pulpits, creating a powerful movement that transformed the SEIU Security Officers' labor organizing campaign in Los Angeles.
Dr. Maulana Karenga
The Activist Scholar:
Dr. Maulana Karenga is Executive Director of the African American Cultural Center-LA and creator of the pan-African holiday Kwanzaa and the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles). He is also Professor and Chair of the Department of Africana Studies at CSU Long Beach and Co-chair of the Black Community, Clergy and Labor Alliance. An activist scholar and ethical philosopher, Dr. Karenga has significantly influenced Black intellectual and political culture since the 1960s through his intellectual and organizational work, his organization Us, and his philosophy, Kawaida.
Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas
The Bridge Builder:
Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, elected to California State Senate in 2022, spent two decades as an educator and labor organizer. She co-founded the Los Angeles Black Worker Center, served as Project Director at UCLA Labor Center, and has dedicated her career to improving conditions for working families through policy and community action.
Rev. William D. Smart, Jr.
The Strategist:
Rev. William D. Smart Jr., President and CEO of Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) of Southern California since 2012, Rev. Smart combines his theological background with civil rights advocacy. Previously Director at Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE), he continues to champion justice and equality through various leadership roles. Just as Rev. Lawson and the early leaders of SCLC, Rev. Smart continues to advocate for justice through strategic alliances across denominations, race, and gender.
Pastor K.W. Tullos
The Clergy Connector:
Pastor K.W. Tulloss, Senior Pastor of Weller Street Missionary Baptist Church and former Los Angeles President of National Action Network, Pastor Tulloss is a prominent civil rights activist known for organizing effective demonstrations and community initiatives. He serves on multiple community boards and chairs the Political Action Committee of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Los Angeles.