Public Employee Press

Lillian Roberts, Mayor Mike and members
lead African Heritage Parade

On a bright Sunday in Harlem, Sept. 18, hundreds of DC 37 members and thousands of New Yorkers celebrated with soul the 36th annual African Heritage Parade.

Leading the march up Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard was DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts, who served as one of the grand marshals. Roberts walked with Mayor Michael Bloomberg for the entire parade route.

Marching with them was a contingent of over 200 members and leaders from locals 371, 372, 375, 1549 and 1655, the DC 37 Retirees Association and staff. Deejay Debonair entertained DC 37 members as they waited to march.

As the polyrhythms of African drums echoed off the boulevard’s brownstones, paradegoers were treated to a colorful show of costumed marching bands, drill teams, fraternity high-steppers, local politicians, musicians and floats from local R&B and hip hop radio stations.

Vendors sold handcrafted jewelry, trinkets and flavorful soul food on the sidelines of the miles-long block party that wended through Upper Manhattan.

“African Americans can be especially proud of all the adversity we have overcome,” Roberts said. “We have lots of work ahead. We have to continue to build on our accomplishments so that future generations are not left behind.”

— DSW