Official Statement from the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC)
Honoring the Life and Legacy of President Emerita Sister Robbie Sparks
It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC) announces the passing of our beloved President Emerita, Sister Robbie Sparks.
On July 28, our EWMC family, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and the entire labor movement lost one of our most influential voices, courageous advocates, and transformational leaders. While our hearts grieve this tremendous loss, we also celebrate a life that was defined by faith, service, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to lifting others.
Sister Robbie Sparks was more than a leader she was a visionary, mentor, educator, advocate, and friend. Throughout her decades of service, she devoted herself to ensuring that every worker had a voice, every member had an opportunity, and every person was treated with dignity and respect. She believed that leadership was not about position or title, but about creating pathways for others to succeed.
As President Emerita of the EWMC, Sister Sparks helped shape the very foundation of our organization. Her courage, determination, and steadfast belief in equity, belonging, and inclusion strengthened the EWMC and expanded opportunities for countless brothers, sisters and siblings throughout the IBEW. She challenged us to think bigger, work harder, and never lose sight of our mission to promote diversity, equity, education, leadership, and unity within our union.
Many of the leaders serving throughout the IBEW today can trace their journey back to the encouragement, guidance, and mentorship of Sister Sparks. She recognized potential in others long before they recognized it in themselves. She opened doors, created opportunities, offered wisdom, and inspired countless individuals to lead with integrity, compassion, and courage. Her influence extended far beyond meetings and conferences it was reflected in the lives she changed and the leaders she helped develop.
Her legacy reaches beyond the EWMC. Sister Sparks was a respected and admired leader throughout the labor movement, where she worked tirelessly to advance workers’ rights, strengthen communities, and ensure that future generations would inherit a stronger, more inclusive union. Her voice carried wisdom. Her leadership inspired action. Her example challenged us all to become better advocates, better leaders, and better human beings.
While we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life that was truly extraordinary. Sister Sparks leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by titles or awards alone. Her greatest legacy is found in the people she mentored, the barriers she helped break, the opportunities she created, and the countless lives she forever changed.
On behalf of the National Executive Board and the entire Electrical Workers Minority Caucus family, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Sister Sparks’ family, friends, colleagues, and every member of the IBEW who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her. We pray that God grants them comfort, strength, and peace in the days ahead.
As we reflect on her remarkable life, let us honor Sister Robbie Sparks not only with our words, but through our actions. Let us continue to mentor others as she mentored us. Let us continue to advocate for justice as she advocated for us. Let us continue to build unity where there is division, create opportunities where barriers exist, and lead with the courage, humility, and conviction that she demonstrated throughout her life.
The work Sister Sparks began does not end with her passing. It becomes our responsibility to carry it forward. May we recommit ourselves to the mission of the EWMC and ensure that future generations know her name, understand her sacrifices, and continue the work to which she dedicated her life.
Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit will forever live within this organization, within our union, and within every life she touched.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23
Rest in Power, President Emerita Sister Robbie Sparks!
Your legacy will forever remain a guiding light for the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and the entire labor movement. We will honor your memory by continuing the work you so faithfully began and by ensuring that your vision lives on through generations yet to come.
We ask that you please allow space and grace to the surviving Family during this difficult time of mourning. We will share details regarding the Celebration Of Life when available.
In Solidarity,
The National Executive Board
Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC)
