Capsun's Corner – by Capsun M. Poe

Note:  This is part of my (supposedly) Weekly AQ Wisdom special series.  To see other posts in the series, click on the Best Bets tab at the top of any page here and scroll down to the “AQ McElrath” section.  Material for this post was taken from information available at her Celebration of Life in February.

“AQ enjoyed well-earned public accalaim for her role in ILWU history.  She actively supported Jack Hall’s efforts in the 1930s, did important and far-reaching volunteer organizing and other union bolstering tasks in the 1940s, and greatly aided the ILWU and its members as Local 142 social worker from 1954 through her official retirement in 1981.  For the next 27 years, she persevered mightily in service to the union and the public.  No unionist who heard her spellbinding, fighting speeches will ever forget them.

“Beyond all of her public accomplishments, AQ was a truly sharing, giving person.  In 1996, I had the honor of interviewing her for an oral history profile in the DISPATCHER.  After that, I could always call on her for help, no matter how late in the day, for any historical question I might have about Hawaii and Local 142.  IF she didn’t have the answer immediately at hand, she would come up with it in a matter of hours or days.  When it cane to the ILWU and its hisotry and legacy, her generosity knew no bounds.

“AQ’s strength, insight, and dedication ot the struggle for social and economic justice were always clearly in evidence.  Speaking with her, you knew you were in the presence of someone who emobied the historic spirit of the ILWU.  I feel privileged to have known her and will miss her, as will hundreds of people who have been associated with her and with the ILWU over the years.”

-Harvey Schwartz, Curator, ILWU Oral History Collection

Mahalo!

Tags: aq, aq mcelrath, ilwu