Don't Go It Alone.

Become a Member

AFM Diversity Committee

The AFM Diversity Committee is a standing committee of the Convention, appointed by the AFM International President, which continues its work year-round. 

AFM Diversity Committee

Beth Zare, Local 6 (San Francisco, CA), chair
Bennie Keys, Local 56 (Grand Rapids, MI)
Rozalind MacPhail, Local 820 (St. John’s, NL)
Tina Morrison, Local 105 (Spokane, WA)
Elliott Ratliff, Local 60-471 (Pittsburgh, PA)
Greg Riley, Local 802 (New York, NY)
Edmund Velasco, Local 7 (Orange County, CA)
Tihda Vongkoth, Local 427-721 (Tampa Bay, FL)
Stewart Williams, Local 72-147 (Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX)

 

AFM Diversity Committee Mission Statement

Our mission is to reflect the diversity of our musical community and further the goal of the AFM to recognize and celebrate the diverse nature of our organization. With the assistance of our International Executive Board, we seek ways to better represent and increase membership by raising the level of participation by all, through affirmative means. This can only be accomplished by organizational educational outreach, recruitment, officer training, and increased leadership opportunities at all levels.

The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity will be valued and celebrated; where members, leaders, rank-and-file, and staff are inspired to contribute to the growth of the Federation. We envision our organization as one where the leadership reflects and affirms the diversity of our membership.

View AFM Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility statement and Code of Conduct.

 

Key Diversity Committee Action Items

  • Support diversity committees for locals: Provide resources and guidance to locals in establishing and supporting diversity committees.
  • Celebrate diverse voices: Continue and expand programs, such as the AFM Diversity Awards, that recognize and celebrate the contributions of diverse members.
  • Promote leadership opportunities: Develop programs to increase representation and inclusion within leadership positions at all levels of the AFM. This could include targeted training and mentorship opportunities.
  • Combat resistance: Address misconceptions and fears surrounding diversity initiatives through educational campaigns and open forums.
  • Expand membership: Engage in comprehensive conversations to understand the demographics and needs of all members.
  • Focus on future growth: Look forward with a renewed sense of purpose and focus efforts on building a stronger, more united union through welcoming diverse people and spaces.

 

Diversity Committee Reports

 

AFM Diversity Awards

The AFM Diversity Awards were created in 2005 to recognize outstanding examples of diversity within the AFM. Since 2005, every AFM Convention has set aside time for reflection and the presentation of Diversity Awards. These awards recognize the work that AFM musicians and locals have done to promote diversity throughout their communities. Click for more information on the 2026 Diversity Awards and applications.

CONVENTION AWARD WINNER LOCAL
96TH (2005) President’s Award Local 399 Local 399 (Asbury, NJ)
Charles Walton Diversity Advocate Award Emma Hernandez Local 23 (San Antonio, TX)
President’s Youth Award Denzel Hollis Local 101-473 (Dayton, OH)
97TH (2007) President’s Local Award Local 65-699 Local 65-699 (Houston, TX)
Charles Walton Advocate Award Dr. Fred Wheatt Local 4 (Cleveland, OH)
President’s Youth Award Tyrone Martin, Jr. Local 101-473 (Dayton, OH)
98TH (2010) President’s Award Local 174-496 Local 174-496 (New Orleans, LA)
Charles Walton Advocate Award “Deacon” John Moore Local 174-496 (New Orleans, LA)
President’s Youth Award
(21-35)		 Karl Schwonik Local 547 (Calgary, AB)
President’s Youth Award (under 20) Tony Lannan Local 5 (Detroit, MI)
99TH (2013) President’s Award Local 47 Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA)
Charles Walton Advocate Award Edward Zebrowski Local 140 (former)
President’s Youth Award
(21-35)		 Robin Fay Massie-Pighee Local 161-710 (Washington, DC)
Charles McDaniel Youth Award (under 20) James Francies, Jr.

 

 Local 65-699 (Houston, TX)

 
100TH (2016) President’s Award N/A N/A
Charles Walton Advocate Award Ashleigh Gordon Local 9-535 (Boston, MA)
President’s Youth Award
(21-35)		 N/A N/A
Charles McDaniel Youth Award (under 20) Christian Vegh Local 566 (Windsor, ON)
101ST (2019) President’s Award N/A N/A
Charles Walton Advocate Award Gilbert Sedeno Local 65-699 (Houston, TX)
President’s Youth Award
(21-35)		 N/A N/A
Charles McDaniel Youth Award (under 20) Timothy Ray Local 174-496 (New Orleans, LA)
102ND (2023) President’s Award N/A N/A
Charles Walton Advocate Award Norman Sylvester Local 99 (Portland, OR)
Charles McDaniel Diversity Youth Award Angelica Pereira Local 375-703  (Oklahoma City, OK)
Charles McDaniel Youth Award Accolade Caitlin Edwards Local 10-208 (Chicago, IL)

 

 

 

DEIA Training Resources