For Immediate Release: July 28, 2026
IBEW International President Kenneth W. Cooper issued this statement on the passing of Electrical Workers Minority Caucus President Emeritus Robbie Sparks earlier today:
“The IBEW and the entire labor movement have lost one of the great voices for workers’ justice and civil rights. Growing up in Jim Crow Georgia, Robbie Sparks joined the fight against segregation. Later, as business manager of IBEW Local 2127, she helped lead the fight for dignity and respect for all working people. As a founder and later president of the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus, she blazed paths of opportunity for Black, Latino, Asian, and women workers in the IBEW. Because of her hard work and leadership, the IBEW is bigger, stronger, and more rooted in every community than ever before. Our prayers go out to her family and friends. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of IBEW activists.”
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The IBEW represents approximately 901,000 members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government.