Public Employee Press

DC 37 Celebrates Black History Month
Republican policies and the economic downturn threaten historic gains of African Americans

King had a dream, Malcolm had a nightmare, Langston told of dreams deferred," said DC 37 Associate Director Oliver Gray, "and we're about to have a massive migraine if the Republicans win in 2012."

With its theme honoring the historic presidency of Barack Obama, the DC 37 Black History Committee kicked off its 31st annual celebration of African American triumphs, achievements and contributions Feb. 1.

At least 20 local presidents joined Black History Committee Chair Deborah Pitts, the president of Local 1113, for the ribbon cutting and hundreds of DC 37 members and retirees as well as City Council members Charles Barron and Darlene Mealy attended the opening ceremony, which was co-sponsored by Local 1113. Guest speaker Dr. John Flateau, a dean at Medgar Evers College, told of President Obama's new education goals and cited obstacles to success, including longstanding institutional racism, voter suppression, redistricting and the prison industry.

"People are out of work and are being put out of their homes while Mitt has three mansions worth $20 million and Newt has a $500,000 credit line at a jewelry store - they can't relate," said Gray. "We have to re-elect the man who understands our needs and who has put America on the right course, President Barack Obama."

DC 37 and its parent union, the 1.6 million-member American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, have endorsed President Obama for re-election.

"America's history is Black history, slaves built this country from the French Quarter in New Orleans to the White House," Gray noted. "Republicans are trying to crush public service workers, the middle class and labor unions. It will take all of us and our friends and families to turn out Nov. 6 to re-elect President Obama."

— Diane S. Williams