Celebrated as an astute political strategist and trailblazing leader Geraldine P. Boykin was one of the first Black women to lead a labor union in D.C., when she served as executive director of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) District Council 20 in the 1980s.
One of the largest public employee unions in the District and nation, Boykin spent more than two decades working for AFSCME. She negotiated contracts across the table from D.C. Mayor Marion Barry and won respect in the District’s labor community for being an unapologetic advocate for gender equality in pay and promotions.
According to a press release, often she was the only woman in the room when labor leaders met to discuss bargaining strategies and political endorsements, but her humor and insight would cut through tense moments and foster unity.
Boykin spearheaded the petition drive for Home Rule and subsequently became the first District director for Congressman Walter E. Fauntroy’s congressional office.
“I hired Geraldine in 1970 for the Fauntroy campaign,” Douglass Patton told The Informer, commenting on an article announcing her death in January 2023. “She [became] a great organizer as well as a good friend over these many years. We have many good memories. Rest in peace my friend.”
Later, in the 1980s, Boykin joined the Political Action Department at the AFSCME International headquarters, where she traveled the country managing GOTV campaigns that mobilized African American voters. She was celebrated as a gifted strategist, beloved by the candidates and the volunteers she recruited — from Memphis and Milwaukee, to Louisville and Jackson and Houston, and many other cities.
A widower and single parent of her daughter Jeannetta “BeBe” Boykin, the labor leader sacrificed family time, living on the road.
During her long career, Boykin mentored a generation of young political operatives.
She left her mark on AFSCME by training over 40,000 members in political workshops across the country.
“Aunt Geraldine was a very talented and thoughtful woman. She is the reason I learned about politics of the world. While campaigning with her for Walter E. Fauntroy, Dave Clark, Patricia Harris, Marion Barry, Jesse Jackson, Coretta Scott King, President Carter, Mondale/Ferraro,” Victoria Snead told The Informer, commenting on an article after Boykin’s death. “It was a great experience because of her!”
Boykin retired in 1995 and launched GPB Political Strategist, LLC.
In addition to the mind of a strategist, Boykin possessed the heart of an organizer. She was a founding member and the first president of the D.C. Chapter of the Coalition Of Black Trade Unionists. She also served on the executive board of the National Congress of Black Women and was founding president of the D.C. chapter of that organization founded by the Honorable Shirley Chisholm.
“As National President Emerita of the National Congress of Black Women, I share the sadness of the family to learn of the transition of Geraldine Boykin,” E. Faye Williams wrote on The Washington Informer’s website, commenting on the article announcing the labor leader’s death. “May her family be comforted knowing she did her very best for so many while she was among us.”
Boykin went on to become a published writer, authoring several books including: “Explosive Love,” a compilation of love poems, “Why I Couldn’t March,” a 1983 memoir to commemorate the March on Washington, and a novel, “Gotta Tell Papa,” a still to be published autobiography.
The mother, labor leader, and strategist died on January 13, 2023 at the age of 87, after having been hospitalized for multiple illnesses, leaving her daughter, former colleagues and countless mentees to continue her legacy.
“I worked with her for over 20 years in the labor movement and there was none more dedicated to working men and women than Geraldine,” professor, historian, labor advocate and government affairs liaison Dr. Bernard Demczuk wrote on The Washington Informer’s website under the article remembering Boykin’s life. “She was smart, sassy, funny, and fierce. Rest in Power and Peace, Gerri.”