He died Feb. 4 at home in Wickliffe at age 86.
"Even though he was hard-nosed on what was the best thing for the members, he took the time to talk, explain and listen," Frank Valenta, former head of the Cleveland AFL-CIO and the steelworkers' old District 28, said Wednesday.
Banks was born in Hebbardsville, Ky., the third of seven siblings. Orphaned at 19, he brought his four younger brothers to Cleveland in 1943 and helped to support them by tending the blast furnace at Republic Steel. During the 1960s, he became what survivors believe to be the first black secretary and first black president of Local 1157.
About 1970, he became the first such assistant director of District 28. He joined negotiations around the country and conferences in Japan. Retiring in 1990, he became a board member of the local Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees and a legislative representative for the Alliance of Retired Americans.
On the side, he helped found an area chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, which works for racial and economic justice. He also sang in church choirs and quartets.
I first met George in Las Vegas in about 1997 or so. He was impressive for sure. I've never known anyone who dressed as impeccably as George.
George was the SOAR Executive Board member for USW District 1 (Ohio).
George and I were SOAR legislative interns during the 9-11 attack. We had to return home but then came back to Washington where I had some time to get to know him quite well. We went all over Washington in a big Dodge Van I had.
I remember taking him to the African American Civil War Memorial, which he really liked. More can be seen here if interested.
George Banks was one terrific, great Steelworker and SOAR member, and I am sure he's in a much better place......organizing, no doubt.
