Public Employee Press

UNCF asks Roberts to chair 2006 fund drive

For the second consecutive year, the United Negro College Fund has named DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts labor chair to spearhead its New York campaign.

“The United Negro College Fund and DC 37 are committed to giving students the tools they need to survive in this complex society,” Roberts said. “They need help getting into college and in college they need support to thrive and complete their education.”

As UNCF labor chair in 2005, Roberts rallied support from DC 37 local presidents and unions across the state affiliated with DC 37’s parent union, AFSCME. She exceeded UNCF’s fundraising goal of $100,000 by raising $120,000 for the educational charity.

As part of its ongoing effort to support UNCF and provide union members with information, DC 37 will continue to hold UNCF Extraordinary Black Men Initiative collaborative college fairs and workshops at the union hall for members and their children and grandchildren. Alumni from Morehouse, Spellman, Dillard, Tuskegee and other universities will be at these fairs to share information about getting admitted to and paying for historically Black colleges affiliated with UNCF.

UNCF is the nation’s largest, oldest, most successful and most comprehensive minority higher education assistance organization. In its 61-year history, UNCF has raised more than $2.1 billion to provide scholarships and internships for 300,000 students at 950 institutions and operating funds and technology enhancement for 39 historically Black member colleges and universities.

UNCF continues its commitment to provide support for students at three historically Black schools that were hit hard by Hurricane Katrina: Dillard and Xavier universities in New Orleans and Tougaloo College in Mississippi.

Of the number of students attending institutions that receive UNCF aid, 59 percent are from families with gross incomes below $35,000 and almost half are from single-parent households.

As labor chair, Roberts will participate in the televised special “An Evening of Stars,” which will pay tribute to legendary singer Aretha Franklin and air Jan. 27, 2007. Contributions to UNCF can be made by check and sent to DC 37 c/o Program Director Frances M. Curtis. Contributors of $10,000 or more will be listed in UNCF print advertisements.

— Diane S. Williams