When I was a kid, the name Sidney Hillman was like magic in my home. As a three-generation labor family, Hillman -- the head of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America during its most innovative era -- was an icon.
This poor garment-cutter-from-Lithuania-turned-labor-innovator inspired me to create the Freelancers Union and still influences the choices the organization makes today.
I've been thinking a lot recently about Hillman and the other men and women in my life who helped shape the person I am. The people who inspired me to follow my passions. The people who helped shape my values.
We all have these people who made a difference for us -- even if they don't know it yet. Maybe it was your high school English teacher. Or an old boss or mentor. Or a neighbor who was the first person to tell you how much they loved your sketches.
This week, I hope you join me by sharing -- and thanking -- the person who inspired you.
Share on Twitter or Facebook using #ThanksForTheSpark so we can all celebrate the people who helped shape our lives. If you can, @mention the person in your post.
You can watch my video tribute to Sidney Hillman here.
He's one of my all-time heroes. My grandmother was a garment worker and actually lived in Amalgamated housing.
In many ways, the idea of New Mutualism can be traced back to Hillman.
So, I'll say simply: