Labor Folkies George Mann and Julius Margolin

Here are some of the messages, more to come. Ignore the November date, in most cases, the date of the post is in the text body.

-George

He was the very sweetest man, always with a quip or a pun or joke and a kind word for everyone (except the Bush administration!). He so enjoyed the music and camaraderie of any labor music session and always had something to contribute, a song or story or comment, often drawn from his own experience.

We have much to learn from his decades of commitment and we are grateful for the relatively short time we enjoyed with him.

We’ll keep on carrying it on! In Peace and Solidarity, Carol

Someone said they saw him deep in conversation with Joe Hill outside a construction site in NY. I’m sure it was true.

I know you are still singing wherever you are!

His reply: “I’m not blind….”

I’m so glad to see these stories and words of tribute to our friend only wish we’d had him a few more years.

He was a sweet, loving and great man, we all know that. He was incredibly generous and hesitant to ever say a negative word about anyone in the movement. But at the same time, he’d freely volunteer that “Bush and Cheney should be tried in an international court of law and hung for their crimes. And I’d gladly pull the rope.” That might sound extreme but no doubt both Bush and Cheney deserve that punishment for the hundreds of thousands of deaths they have caused and their crimes against the Constitution.

ps When you meet the Big Guy whisper in his ear that his friends down here could use some extra help. lol

Julius Margolin was one of the sweetest gentlemen I ever met, full of life, compassion, conviction and good humor. He always treated me and everyone I knew with a great deal of respect, and he made the Be-In something really special.

I feel lucky to have gotten to know him even a little bit, and that a piece of his life will always be a part of my memories and inspire me to be a fighter, no matter what, for equality and fairness in all things, whether they be labor-related or not.

All my love,

Erica

Thanks to George they may.

Peace julius, you have my admiration and pledge to walk a path of resistance through nonviolence, a path of peace.

Thank you for recruiting George Mann, he will carry on your memory, your story and your songs.

Peace Out

Dan Shea

Vietnam Veteran/Veterans for Peace

For all those close to him, especially George– Be good to yourself during this difficult time. Remember the joy Julius brought and was. Julius Presente!

For all those in his extended family– Carry it on!

Truly a lovely man, inspiring, dedicated, and kindly. We have been blessed!

To Julius!!!

“DON’T MOURN… HARMONIZE!!!” Now joined up with Angels Local Union #23!

I last saw Julius in Pawtucket, RI at the Slater Mill performance by the NYC Labor Chorus one Labor Day. He was sitting on a stone wall watching other performers. I ran over to him and hugged him because I was so glad to see him. We talked for a while and as always Julius was so full of energy, struggle and hope for the future of humanity. When I lived in New York and was involved with District 65, UAW, I saw Julius regularly, he always gave me a shot of enthusiasm and strength even in the worst of times to keep struggling for socialism and most of all for the independence of Puerto Rico. I will always remember him as a defender of the working class, a struggler for socialism and a supporter of struggle for national liberation of the people of Puerto Rico and Latin America and someone who fought racism with all his heart & voice. Julius Margolin esta presente!

It was good to get to know you some when you came to Corvallis Odd Fellows. Life is what happens while we’re busy with our other plans and your life was/is an example to us all. Thank you for all you have don…. and for giving us the opportunity to know George Mann. Your presence will be missed but your memory and work goes on…

Thanks Julius

Mac Bica, Coordinator

Veterans for Peace Long Island

My Condolences,

Joe Campbell

NYC CLC Delegate

Division Chair CMD

TWU Local 100

Julius brought the recent past alive for us– while recording with Peter, Paul, and Marry… as Mary told the story of some of her father’s adventures as a merchant marine, Julius chimed in that he had worked togeher with Mary’s father on the ships.

He lived a good and full life– ongoing inspiration to us all– and he will truly be missed.

It was a privilege knowing you and I will greatly miss you. I will miss your warmth, friendship, activism, and music. I am proud to have been a fellow delegate to the New York City Central Labor Council with you for many years. I am glad that my now 10-year-old daughter had a chance to meet you. I will always remind her of how much you gave to the world in fighting to make it better. You made the world a much better place and your spirit will live on forever.

Rob Schwartz

Thank you for touching my life.

Yehi Zichro Baruch.

I learned from the “Union Man” CD and gave copies to friends.

Thanks to both for human kindness with music.

I first met Julius Margolin in 1981 when we both worked with many others in the labor movement to elect Frank Barbaro Mayor of NYC. I thought, who is this quirky little leftwinger who won’t let up about peace, justice, equality, and democracy in trade unions? Julius was so insistent, but always with a smile. I saw him occasionally over the years, while in NYC and when visiting from Detroit. A mutual friend lived in the same building Julie lived in and I recall talking politics and music and laughing with Julius one evening. There’s apparently some historical question as to what Emma Goldman may have said. But, surely the quote fits Julie perfectly: If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution. Right on, Julie. and right on, George, for all the love and care you provided Julie over the years. Julius Margolin, Presente!

Our Dear Friend, Julius…

Thank you so much for

The life you have shared with us.

You have inspired many thousands

To take to the streets and meeting halls

To demand that those with power

Do right by those with little of it.

You are an icon in the

Peace and Justice Movement.

And we are so very proud to know you

And to follow your example of

Selfless dedication.

As you battle your illness,

You should be filled with the joy

Of all you have accomplised

And have shared with us.
Please know that we will always
Be with you, Brother.

Julie, I too look forward to being part of that chorus. You were an inspiration to the New York City Labor chorus. you knew what it meant to sing real labor songs. Rest in Peace.

Barbara Bailey

The image of Julius standing in our living room, giving the “gimme, gimme” sign with his hands to get us all to sing along, is one that we will always treasure.

We bid a peaceful rest to our brother Julius, a soup lover, poet, fighter, comrade, and friend. May his memory always be a blessing.

B’Shalom,

Charlie & Marilyn

Thanks George for your diligence with updates, etc. and special condolences to you, I know Julius was your dear friend, and you have been so uniquely attentive and helpful to him (and he mostly appreciated it!). You’re a good man.

Honorable caring human beings. Al too rare…

Dear George, Thank you so much for your very thoughtful message.

Tell Julius for me that what he’s fought for all these years is happening– the profit system is on its way OUT. Unions will win and people will get what they deserve. It’s an ethical force in history that’s working. It’s taken a long time– too damn long– but it’s working. That what the Aethetic Realism Theatre Co. says in its performances. Wall street (and others) can do all their tricks, stand on their heads, but ethics as a force can’t be stopped. I hope that has a good effect on him.