My Journey

In ‘My Journey’ the American dream unfolds before your eyes as you read this compelling saga of a bright young black man who left the hills of West Virginia because he dreamed of a better life. Bill Burrus takes you on a phenomenal journey from his first day as a postal employee through his gradual rise to becoming the first African American ever elected by the membership as the president of an international labor union. It is a fantastic journey that includes thorns and roses and reveals the many facets of his personality. His journey takes him all around the world – gave him power and influence reserved only for those holding the highest offices in the land.

Burrus acknowledges that his contributions were built on the foundation of various labor leaders upon which he built his strength over the years. He mentions each of them throughout the narrative and freely admits the influences and efforts of others that led to his success. Many served as role models and mentors helping to lift him up in his climb to the top. As John Donne said, “No man is an island.” The events of time defined his place of existence, influencing his reactions to the world. “Becoming president of the American Postal Workers Union did not occur overnight. Bill Burrus’ journey takes you through his trials and tribulations along with the post office and national union politics that got him to the presidency.” Bill Burrus is “honest, forthright and even self-criticizing as he chronicles details inside the American Postal Workers Union, where you can see both his accomplishments and failures. My Journey is candid.” Louis Stokes, Congressman – Retired

Bill Burrus served as President of the American Postal Workers Union from November 2001 until November 2010 (nine years). He retired after a 53 year career as a postal employee and elected union official fighting to improve conditions for postal employees. Burrus was listed in Who’s Who in Black America and has appeared in numerous publications including Business Week, Jet, Black Enterprise, and Ebony in which he was listed each year among the 150 most influential African Americans. He was appointed to the Ohio Advisory Board of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission and was elected to the National Board of the A. Philip Randolph Institute. He served on the Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health and on the Board of Directors of the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame. While representing American postal workers he was also elected as a representative of the Uni Global International Network.