Brothers & Sisters:
With great sadness we share the news that Curt Braman, our brother, friend and committed steward in the struggle for worker justice, has passed away. Curt suffered a heart attack in his home on Saturday, December 29th.
Whenever he introduced himself Curt was a retired restaurant worker. But, here at the Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center, Curt was also the chair of the board of directors, leading this organization. He was never in the spotlight. But through his service on many committees he gave selflessly of his time and his powerful, nimble mind. He never wanted to be the center of attention. We have so few pictures of him in newsletters, or on social media. But he was always in the middle of the action.
One of the campaigns that he was proud of being part of was the Day Labor Organizing Project, which helped countless workers find their voice as workplace leaders and justice seekers. The campaign won a massive victory for recycling workers who earned millions in increased wages when the city living wage was expanded for their benefit. Curt was there, behind the scenes encouraging the worker leaders and sharing his experience as an activist and restaurant worker.
Whenever new staff members, worker leaders, or board members got involved he helped ensure that they shared his enthusiasm and commitment to shop floor leadership. “No shortcuts” – he always said. It was infectious. And it made the Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center what it is today. It is simply impossible to imagine the CIWC without Curt and his many contributions. Curt led the workers center as a board member from its initial incorporation through its last strategic plan. He always stepped up when he was needed, especially when the Center was short on staff. And he also knew when to step back, leaving room for other voices, other views. For Curt, it was never about his ego or recognition. The man was always focused on the mission: getting wins by building power for workers from the ground up.
In recognition of his leadership and selfless commitment to low wage workers, the Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center will establish a permanent memorial fund in his honor; the fund will provide scholarships for restaurant and food service workers to receive tuition assistance for advanced culinary or other related training.
A memorial celebration will be help this Saturday. For information regarding the memorial service contact: info@cworkers.org
