Last week, I had a whirlwind visit to Chicago to talk about my new book. Fortunately before my flight to Charleston, West Virginia, I had time in the morning to visit Karen Lewis at an assisted living facility where the care is excellent.
Karen is a brilliant charismatic woman who taught science in the Chicago public schools for more than 20 years. In 2010, Karen led a faction of the Chicago Teachers Union called the Caucus of Rank and File Educators, which swept to victory in the union elections. She became president of the CTU. She was a strategic organizer who worked to build alliances with parent and community groups. In 2012, the CTU voted to strike. The legislature, egged on by Gates-funded Stand for Children, passed a law that they thought would make a strike impossible by requiring a vote of 75% of the membership. Karen and her team won the approval of about 90% of the members and led a successful strike that had the support of parents and communities because they understood that teachers were striking for their children.
Karen was an articulate and greatly admired visionary. She planned to run for mayor against Rahm Emanuel in 2015, and her own polling suggested that she would beat him handily.
Tragically, Karen was diagnosed with a brain tumor in October 2014. Since then, she has had a series of setbacks, including a stroke. Life is so unfair. Karen is only 66.
When I saw her, she was happy that I visited. As I expected, she is disabled and has limited mobility. But despite the terrible blows that life has dealt her, she is spirited, still has a sense of humor, and is interested in what’s happening in the world. I told her that wherever I go, people remember her as the Mother of the Resistance. They remember that she stood up to a bully and won. I showed her the photo of her in my book and told her that her legacy is there whenever teachers stand together and demand better conditions for teaching and learning. I told her she was the spark that lit the fire by her example and the powerful union she created. I told her she will never be forgotten.
She was a strong labor leader, a saucy woman who was fearless, wise, and funny.
I was glad I saw her but sad to see the tragedy she endured when she was at the peak of her promise. Her beloved husband John sees her every day and has been by her side through the best of times and the worst of times.
I wrote a note in the book I gave her. Simply, “Karen, I love you. Diane.”
Beautiful acknowledgement of a most courageous, moral, and intelligent Karen Lewis. She is light.
wonderfully said
Ditto.
And we love you too, Diane!
All of the privatization resisters owe Karen Lewis a debt of gratitude. She is the original education Jeanne d’Arc and the first to unite her union against mass school closures and the stealth privatization of public education. Thank you, Karen, for being strong and showing others the path forward.
It is always so terribly sad when bad things happen to the most beautiful and giving people in this world.
Karen‘s power and strength is a role model for us, and a call to keep boots on the ground – never quit.
Karen- a beautiful soul 💌
#ChicagoStrong
#TeachersStrong
#PublicSchoolsStrong
Karen is a great soul.
Life is unfair.
I had a long and unhappy day at school -and it wasn’t the fault of the students (as usual). I was very stressed. But reading this great piece of writing by one great teacher about another great teacher lifted my spirits. Yeah, I can do it. Thanks Diane and Karen. I needed that.
Thank you, John. It was a heartbreaking experience. A part of me kept wondering why or how fate could be so cruel, to cut off a dazzling woman in her prime. Fate–or God–or whatever is cruel. I keep learning this again and again.
I do not understand this unfairness, either. It makes no sense and is heartbreaking. But I appreciate Karen’s vision and courage and leadership. And I very much appreciate all that you do every day, Diane.
It is so important to visit our heroes and let them know we have not forgotten them.
Thank you for the update, Diane. I think about Karen all the time, & had been wanting to hear how she’s doing. Glad to hear that she’s getting the excellent care she deserves, & knew that her loyal & loving husband would be by her side. Happy, too, that she’s kept her spirit & humor.
She would have been the best mayor ever. She is an inspiration to all.
Hi Karen, my name is Michael Williams you really don’t know me, I grew up in Robert Taylor homes and went to DuSable High School. I joined the United States Marine Corps my first year of high school in 1968. After returning back from Vietnam in 1973. I started going to Eastern Illinois University where I received my bachelor’s and master’s degree. I have followed you for years, and I was just thinking about you. I pray you’re doing well and wish you the best.
May God continue to bless you Karen and remember the many lives you helped while being the President of Chicago Teachers Union whenever one might stop to learn about the Union trust me the story can’t end without the mentioning of Karen Lewis the work that you’ve done never being afraid of any task but you didn’t just tell your members you also showed them that by coming together standing strong you can conquer anything that you set out do. I wished that more Karen Lewis were built to do the things you’ve done but may your work speak for you when the day come when the Lord calls your name and say SERVANT WELL DONE