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Public Employee Press
Strength in Diversity
Roberts leads the way
African American Day parade
In a grand display of dignity and union pride, more than
350 DC 37 members marched up Harlems expansive Adam Clayton Powell
Jr. Boulevard Sept. 20 in the 40th annual African American Day Parade.
Grand Marshal and DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts was joined
by Gov. David Paterson, Comptroller William Thompson, former Mayor David
Dinkins, Harlem Congress member Charles Rangel, the Rev. Al Sharpton and
famed educator Dr. Adelaide Sanford in one of the nations largest
celebrations of African American heritage and culture.
A sea of spectators lined the sidewalks and cheered as the foremost fighters
for working families Roberts and then-mayoral hopeful Thompson
made their way up the thoroughfare, waving to friends and shaking
hands along the way.
Members of the New York City Council and state Legislature, marching bands
from historically Black colleges, colorfully clad fraternity and sorority
steppers, and streams of people young and old celebrated in Harlem under
the midday sun of a glorious late-summer afternoon.
DC 37s green float featured the timeless music of
Michael Jackson, who died June 25, and inspired people to dance in the
streets in celebration of one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
DC 37 Black History Committee Co-chairs Deborah Pitts, president of Local
1113, and Robert Ajaye, president of Local 2627, organized the unions
parade participation. The committee provided T-shirts and lunches for
the members, retirees, local leaders and staff who marched to the staccato
beat of Brooklyns Soul Tigers Marching Band.
Today, we celebrate our contributions as African Americans. We built
this city, we built this country, and we have helped make America a better
place for everyone, Roberts said.
Diane S. Williams
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