Robbie Sparks, retired Business Manager of IBEW Local 2127 and President Emeritus of the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC), passed away on July 28th, at the age of 84. Born and raised in Georgia during the Jim Crow era, she rose up the ranks to become one of the most influential leaders in the IBEW and the labor movement. The IBEW, EWMC, and local unions made public statements upon the news of her passing. Local 3’s statement is as follows:
“The elected officers and members of Local Union No. 3, IBEW are heartbroken by the loss of labor leader and IBEW sister Robbie Sparks. She was a trailblazer her entire life and career. She also shared a special relationship with Local 3 going back to Harry Van Arsdale Jr., who helped broker a meeting between top IBEW leadership and sisters and brothers of color at the International Convention in 1974. Her legacy will live on through the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus and every opportunity that opens up to women and people of color who become members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.”
