Bob Fitch Photography.
Fred ROss
Help tell the story of how he inspired generations to create change.
Now, to inspire a new generation of activists to organize for systemic change, award-winning documentary filmmaker Ray Telles, Fred Ross Jr. and human rights activist John Heffernan are making a documentary to show how collective action can combat racism, bigotry, and greed. Please join us in making sure Fred’s story is told.
Remembering Fred Ross Jr.
NOVEMBER 21, 2022
San Francisco – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the passing of Fred Ross, Jr.:
“Paul and I join Californians and all Americans in mourning the loss of Fred Ross, Jr. – a relentless leader in the fight to secure justice, collective strength and a voice on the job for working people, both in our country and abroad under the Neighbor to Neighbor initiative.
“Congress and the Country owe a profound debt of thanks to Fred for always organizing and never agonizing – for his lifelong devotion to strengthening our labor movement and serving the nation he loved so deeply. Fueled by a deep-seated faith in the power of worker solidarity, he carried on the remarkable legacy of his father, the legendary Fred Ross, Sr., and helped forge America into a better, fairer place. Fred’s life was a testament to this basic truth: the spirit of change lives not in the hands of a powerful few but in union halls and at kitchen tables.
“Personally, I benefited from Fred’s organizational mastery: translating his policy goals into effective political action. Without his early support and brilliant leadership organizing the ground operation of my first campaign, I would have never become a Member of Congress. Years later, I was so pleased that he was willing to spend some time as my District Director and to help us serve the people of San Francisco. For these reasons, Fred will always have my deepest, sincerest gratitude.
“Fred’s passion and wise counsel will be sorely missed by his many friends in Congress. May it be a comfort to Fred’s loving wife, Margo, and their two beloved children, Charley and Helen that so many mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time.”
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“A good organizer is a social arsonist who goes around setting people on fire.” - Fred Ross Sr.
We have all heard about Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, but few of us know Fred Ross Sr., the man who trained and guided them to become amazing organizers and trailblazing leaders.
Cesar Chavez once said about Fred: “He did such a good job of explaining how poor people could build power, I could even taste it: it’s like digging a hole - there’s nothing complicated about it.”
“Fred’s faith in people is unmatchable. Fred never took any power for himself. He always gave it away”
-Dolores Huerta
“Ross fought racism, discrimination, and all the injustices confronting working men and women for five decades. He helped build the labor movement and the bridges between labor, religious, civic, and neighborhood organizations. He was a pioneer in opening doors to women and people of color, encouraging their full participation in leadership roles.”
-Former AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka
