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Many Rivers to Cross
African-American history has played an integral role in the shaping of politics, economics, and culture in the United States. Growing up, how did you learn about the accomplishments and struggles of African Americans? Were you in a classroom? Reading a book? Talking with relatives or friends? How has your understanding or knowledge of African-American history changed and/or developed over time? What do you think is the most effective way to pass along this rich and growing history to future generations?

Christine Easterling

A Giant for Justice tells the amazing true story of legendary educator and retired president of the Washington Teachers’ Union, William H. “Bill” Simons. He accomplished dozens of great strides for teachers’ rights and made a long and lasting impact on scores of educators, students, and parents during his twenty-five years of service.
Compassionately told by one of the teachers who worked with him, this compelling biography showcases Bill’s vision, efforts, and achievements, including strikes and walkouts to Congress, in which the author, herself, participated. The biography features reprints of official correspondence from Bills’ desk, dozens of stunning photographs spanning Bill’s life, and other archival documents. Also included at the end of the book are two chapters dedicated to tributes written to Bill by some of the many friends, family, former students, and colleagues whose lives he impacted.
Not just a heartwarming account celebrating the life and accomplishments of a great man, A Giant for Justice serves as a prototype for other unions to expand and enhance their successes. Generations of union leaders to come can turn to this book for a concise statement of Bill’s work and use it to guide them in their own pursuit of justice.
Christine Davis Easterling is the immediate past president of the District of Columbia Retired Educators Association. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business education and master’s degrees in public school administration and curriculum development.
A former sixteen-year member of the Washington Teachers’ Union, Easterling has received numerous honors and accolades throughout the teaching community over the years, including recognitions as State Vice Principal of the Year by the National Association of School Administrators and Teacher of the Year by the National Education Association. Her long list of awards includes the President’s Medal for Outstanding Teaching by Trinity College, Congratulatory Educators Award by Congresswoman Constance Morella, and 2012 AARP With Our Youth Award.
In addition to these achievements and many others, Easterling is proud to have worked during the term of former Washington Teachers Union President Bill Simons’ service, and to have participated in the strikes and walkouts he orchestrated.

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