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Public Employee Press
DC 37 celebrates
Latino Heritage
In keeping with tradition, DC 37 locals celebrated Latino
Heritage Month during October in grand style with colorful cultural presentations
and important political messages.
Local 420s celebration Oct. 7 featured Grupo Bombazo, which played
traditional bomba and plena music from Puerto Rico. City Council member
Margarita Lopez reminded members of the importance of voting to build
union and Latino political power.
DC 37 is a mighty union built by and for a diverse and hardworking
group of New Yorkers. Our local is very proud of the contributions of
our Latino members, said Local 983 President Mark Rosenthal on Oct.
8, before making way for the swinging sounds of the Willie Villegas band.
Working together to empower the Latino vote, was the theme
of Local 1549s celebration Oct. 15. For us as city employees,
the 2005 mayoral election is crucial. The outcome will have a direct impact
on our employment, wages and benefits, said Local President Eddie
Rodríguez.
Fernando Ferrer, a possible mayoral candidate, was the keynote speaker
and also addressed participants at the grand finale on Oct. 22.
Ferrer paid tribute to Local 1549 member Ann Gaddy, who recently passed
away. She fought hard for all that she needed to fight for,
said the former Bronx Borough President. He credits Gaddy with giving
him some sound political advice. Not only was she a shop steward
for Local 1549, he said, she was a shop steward for everyone.
Anniversary milestone
With Latino Heritage Committee Chair Magda DeJesus of Local 1219 presiding,
the legendary salsa band Tipica 73 led by pianist Sonny Bravo and
violinist Alfredo de la Fé packed the dance floor and closed
out the grand finale on Oct. 22.
The unions 20th Puerto Rican Heritage celebration culminated in
a gala event on Nov. 19. The Puerto Rican community has enriched
our city with their culture and lively spirit for over 100 years and continues
to do so, said DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts, to start
the evening. The historic milestone was celebrated with the pulsating
sounds of Frankie Morales and his Mambo Time Orchestra. That we
have several Hispanic and Puerto Rican members leading locals is something
we can all be proud of, said Local 372 Vice President Santos Crespo.
Alfredo Alvarado
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