Harold W. Jenkins

He leaves his beloved wife Gladys of 72 years and children Theresse Marie Wade (James), Christi H. Cornette (Joel) ;grandchildren Justin H. Wade(Rachael), Joel C. Cornette, Joshua M. Wade(Sophia), Jordan C. Cornette, Jonathan C. Cornette; great grandchildren Carter Anthony Wright and Maya Rene Wade and a host of family and friends.

Harold served in the military from 1944 - 1947 and graduated from college with a degree in Labor Relations from University of Wisconsin. Harold began his career at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company where he became very active in Union politics. In 1962 he attended UCLA School for Workers and was part of the team that organized a campaign for the Farm Workers where he walked side by side with Cesaer Chavez. These actions resulted in the Farm Workers admittance to the AFL-CIO. Harold worked with the Southern Christian Leadership Council on Voter Registration in Vicksburg and Jackson, MS as well as Birmingham, Alabama. In 1963 he marched with Martin Luther King, Jr for the March on Washington, where King delivered his famous 'I Have a Dream' speech. Harold also worked in Memphis assisting the sanitation workers with their strike for fair wages, leaving Memphis the day before Martin Luther King was assassinated. Harold returned to Atlanta to join the more than 25,000 marchers for King's funeral procession, a day he never forgot.

In 1979 Harold received recognition from the Kent State University, College of Business Administration for his understanding of the American Business System. That same year he became a member of the Labor Extension Research Service Board of The Ohio State University.

Harold served as Director of Education for the United Rubber Workers International division of the AFL-CIO from 1964 -1980 where among his many achievements included participation in the International Conference of Federal Trade Unions in Lisbon, Portugal and Madrid, Spain.

Harold known to most as "Stretch" a name given to him from his early basketball days, was a stellar athlete. Harold was the first African American member of Firestone Country Club where he accomplished the goal of becoming club champion. As a scratch golfer and a founding member of the Nomads Golf Organization he spent many beautiful days playing at great courses around the country.

An avid supporter of St.Vincent - St. Mary High School and the Akron community he contributed his time and passion to both.