“You can’t replace a legend, you can only follow them,” said Brian Sanson of Cecil Roberts, the longtime UMWA president he is succeeding.
This old reporter turned history prof wrote several stories about President Roberts for the state AFL-CIO website and for Forward Kentucky. He was always “good copy,” an old newspaper term.
He was also a photographer’s dream. I interviewed and photographed him at state AFL-CIO conventions where he was a guest speaker. He and state AFL-CIO President Emeritus Bill Londrigan are longtime friends.
I used to joke that the roof had to be repaired after Roberts spoke because he always raised it. If you've ever heard a Roberts speech you know what I mean.
I have several photos of President (now officially "President Emeritus for Life") Roberts in my files. Here is a sampling as my personal tribute to the union man from Cabin Creek.
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