Labor Spotlight- Wille D. Ellis

Willie D. Ellis is a retired operating engineer who has been volunteering with WRTP/BIG STEP since 1980. During his tenure at Operating Engineers Local 139, Willie was the first Black person to become a journey operator and the first Black representative/organizer for the organization. He was also the first Black Vice President of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council for 2 years before serving as the first Black President of the MALC for 12 years.

Willie is influenced by his great uncle Andrew Jackson Herman and Wayne “Kisier.” He recommends learning more about Vincent Toran, who was the first African American carpenter apprentice in Wisconsin. Toran strived to help people of color get into the trades and is the founder of BIG STEP.

Willie believes in order to be successful in the trades or in any profession, you must be on time, show an interest in what you’re doing, remember to always do the best that you can do at all times, and always respect others!

Source: WRTP/Big Step