July 22, 2024
UAW Region 8 Member Tom Savage Receives the 2024
NAACP Benjamin L. Hooks Keeper of the Flame Award
by Region 8 Webmaster John Davis

Retired UAW Region 8 Representative Tom Savage was awarded the 2024 Benjamin L. Hooks Keeper of the Flame Award at the 115th NAACP National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The “Keeper of the Flame” Award was established in 2000 by the NAACP as a regular special recognition award for “an individual who has continued to provide public service after their official retirement from the profession.” The National Public Service Award (NPSA) Executive Committee recognize that many individuals retire from their career positions and continue to serve the public in other volunteer or paid positions. Often, these active retirees become very directly involved in their local community, working with civic or non-profit organizations. The award recognizes these individuals.

Tom Savage is the President of the Cookeville Putnam County Branch of the NAACP and Vice-President of the Tennessee State Conference NAACP. As Vice-President, Tom Savage worked with state officials to implement advocacy programs across the state, region and nation.

Tom worked to strengthen the relationship between the Tennessee State Conference and the Labor Movement. His involvement has kept worker’s rights and labor issues at the forefront of liked minded organizations throughout the state. Between working with a part’s distribution center in Memphis to call on GM for better pay and benefits last September, to taking part in the historic organizing drive for workers at the Volkswagen Plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee this spring, Tom’s tireless efforts for workers and worker’s rights has been noted time and time again.

In 1970, Tom Savage was hired at Cummins Filtration in Cookville, Tennessee and joined UAW Local 1407. After a stint in the Navy, he returned home and back to his job at Cummins. Tom became the first African American to be elected at Local 1407, serving as Vice President and Delegate for the local. He worked for Cummins for 32 years until 2002, when Region Director Gary Casteel and UAW President Ron Gettelfinger appointed Tom to the Region 8 Staff. Remaining in staff until his retirement in 2018, Tom held a number of assignments across the region including Organizing, Human and Civil Rights and Education. Since his retirement, Tom has volunteered as a community outreach representative speaking at many events across the region. Each summer he works with the Kentucky Sheriff’s Boys and Girls Ranch on behalf of Region 8. Tom still volunteers on organizing and bargaining efforts around the region. His efforts through the NAACP and UAW Region 8 have improved the bond between the two groups.

“I am just happy I can represent my union in the community,” states Keeper of the Flame Award winner Tom Savage. “Civil Rights and labor work together for the betterment of all, and it really forms a movement that we all can be proud of. The UAW logo is the solidarity wheel, meaning one people, one goal and one movement. When we reach out to the community to make a difference, this sense of solidarity is truly achieved. We are called to make a difference and I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to continue to work with these great organizations in my retirement. I am indeed honored to receive this recognition from the NAACP.”

Retired UAW President and Former Region 8 Director Ray Curry was on hand for the presentation of the award. President Curry has served on the NAACP Board for six years. “Brother Tom Savage is truly deserving of this award and recognition,” President Curry stated.  “His life has been committed to advancing social justice and civil rights for all across our nation. Also, how fitting for him to be the recipient of an award named in honor of a fellow Tennessean, Benjamin Lawson Hooks. Congratulations Tom. “

“Tom Savage is a true union man,” states Region 8 Director Tim Smith. “Even in retirement he is the first to help with projects around the region. He helped with organizing at the VW plant in Chattanooga. He teaches the teenage class at summer school for us and gets rave reviews. Each summer he works with the Kentucky Sheriffs Summer Camp for Kids on behalf of the region. Social justice, working class values and union families are not slogans for Tom but a way of life. We are all so proud of him and congratulate him on this national recognition.”

Tom Savage embodies the meaning of the Keeper of the Flame award, and personifies the spirit in which the award is meant. Tom’s commitment in his retirement is an inspiration to all and as Director Smith states is truly a real union man. Congratulations to UAW Region 8 Tom Savage for being recognized by the NAACP with this national Keeper of the Flame Award.