Public Employee Press

Latino Heritage at DC 37
Honoring 9/11 heroes

By ALFREDO ALVARADO



Honoring the memory of the victims and heroes of Sept. 11, 2001, was the theme as DC 37 celebrated Latino Heritage Month this year.

After the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 7, the festivities rolled on with Open Mic Night Sept. 9, when union members showcased their many talents. The month's activities were coordinated by the DC 37 Latino Heritage Committee, which is chaired by Local 372 President Santos Crespo and co chaired by Local 1549 Recording Secretary Carmen Flores.

Guille Mejia of the union's Safety and Health Dept. keynoted Local 420's celebration on Sept. 12. She highlighted the many contributions of city workers in the rescue and cleanup efforts at Ground Zero and pointed out many instances where unscrupulous contractors hired and exploited undocumented workers to clean up the wreckage of the Twin Towers.

SSEU Local 371 opened its observation of the month Sept. 23 with an inspiring video tribute to the late President Charles Ensley. "It was an honor and a privilege to work with and to know Charles Ensley," said President Anthony Wells.

The local's keynote speaker was Latino Justice President Juan Cartagena, a civil rights and constitutional law attorney who teaches Latino civil rights law at Rutgers University. Cartageña called for solidarity with the undocumented workers of Alabama, which has enacted an anti-immigrant law that lets local authorities detain men, women and even schoolchildren to check their immigration status.

The celebration also included the dancers of Arts Flamenco and the salsa sounds of Puerto Rican vocalist Choco Orta and her band.

A workshop, "Protecting our Families," was presented Sept. 24 by SAPIS III member Mariana Miranda. The workshop provided strategies and tips for improving communication and increasing awareness of possible drug involvement.

The closing event on Oct. 7 was presented by Locals 372 and 1549. Crespo and Local 1549 and DC 37 President Eddie Rodriguez warned of tough times ahead for city workers and urged members to fight back aggressively.

"We are in a fierce battle for our jobs, our pay and our benefits," said Crespo.

The festivities closed with Local 384 member Ernie Acevedo and his band Conjunto Imagen. Established in 1989, the band is a favorite among New York City salsa dancers. "I love to play here for the members," said Acevedo, who plays conga drums. "They work hard, they deserve a good show."