Ray Hair, International President of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM), responded to the passing of Susan Watanabe:

“I was saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Susan Watanabe. Susan was a strong advocate who fought for what she believed in—as a writer, as a community leader and a political activist. Never wavering in her commitment, Susan changed lives and we are fortunate to have had her in our lives. This is a great loss for the labor and the arts community. On behalf of the entire American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, we send our deepest condolences to Susan’s family, friends, and colleagues.”