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Special to The Advocate
On Friday, March 29, Revere resident Herby Jean-Baptiste was honored by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC) during their annual “Black Excellence on the Hill” event, which took place in the State House’s Great Hall. Each February, as a part of celebrations to mark Black History Month, the MBLLC organizes this event to celebrate and honor Black leaders from across the Commonwealth. Among the leaders recognized in this year’s event was Revere’s own Herby Jean-Baptiste, who was nominated to be recognized as the 16th Suffolk District’s honoree by State Representative Jessica A. Giannino.
“Since Herby has lived in Revere, he has been heavily involved in community-based organizations that serve to better the city. He is a strong union leader in the community who displays values of humble leadership,” said Representative Giannino. “Congratulations, Herby, and thank you for all you do for Revere.”
“Herby is a great leader in our city: he’s a small business owner, community organizer, and champion for positive change. We are so grateful he is being recognized for his achievements,” said Mayor Patrick Keefe.
“Herby has been a longtime advocate and powerful agent of change through his many years of service. As an organizer of the largest healthcare union in the country, he successfully impacted the lives of those he represented through positive change, and empowered workers as a staunch advocate for their rights. His dedication, commitment, and personal values are an asset to Ward 4. As a longtime Revere resident with his family, I deeply appreciate the care he has for his community, his expertise, and his passion for continuing to improve the quality of life for those around him,” said Ward 4 Councillor Paul Argenzio.
For a decade, Herby Jean-Baptiste took on the role of Organizer in the largest healthcare worker union in the country, 1199SEIU – United Healthcare Workers East – actively engaging in initiatives to empower workers and advocate for their rights, with an immense sense of responsibility. He also was elected to the position of Vice President for the Nursing Home Division of 1199SEIU and held that position for an impressive duration of 15 years before retiring from the union. During this time, he successfully contributed to improving the conditions and quality of care for individuals needing long-term care.
He now gives back to the City of Revere as an active member of the Human Rights Commission. He, his wife of 27 years, and two sons have called Revere home for the last 21 years.
