PEP, April 2014: Black History Makers at DC 37

"This is a special time when we reflect on and celebrate the intertwined histories of both our African American community and the labor movement."
— Executive Director Lillian Roberts

The second part of the union's celebration of Black History Month delivered an impressive lineup of progressive politicians, activists and entertainers and ended with Finale Night on Feb. 28, which locals 420, 1549 and the DC 37 Black History Committee co-sponsored.

"This is a special time when we reflect on and celebrate the intertwined histories of both our African American community and the labor movement," said Executive Director Lillian Roberts. "We are the living legacy of truth, the legacies of Dr. King, Nelson Mandela and other heroes. We can rejoice that our traditions and history are shared and celebrated even as we carry on the struggle for workers' rights, equality and justice."

After welcoming remarks by DC 37 and Local 1549 President Eddie Rodriguez and newly re-elected Local 420 President Carmen Charles, Committee Chair Deborah Pitts emceed the evening, which featured black history makers and longtime allies Public Advocate Letitia James, Brooklyn District Attorney Kenneth Thompson and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. Hundreds of DC 37 members and retirees were entertained with a repeat performance by Conscious Ones, a youth theater company.

Finale Night was dedicated to slain youths Trayvon Martin and Jordan Davis, whose killers juries acquitted based on Florida's Stand Your Ground law.

"We honor the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the cause, for injustice all over the world," said President Santos Crespo Jr. Local 372's event Feb. 21 fell on the 49th anniversary of the assassination of civil rights leader Malcolm X and the program was dedicated to him and featured a cadre of history makers: AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Terry Melvin, who also is president of CBTU; authors and activists Dr. Rosemari Mealy and Asha Bandele, and the legendary activist and union leader William Lucy, former AFSCME secretary-treasurer and CBTU founder and president emeritus, who in 1990 helped bring Nelson Mandela to New York City.

"Our history does not begin with slavery," Lucy said, recounting the broad spectrum of accomplishments and contributions people of the African Diaspora have made to technology, science and medicine, and the arts.

The torch of freedom and equality

From the architectural wonders of Egypt's pyramids to Barack Obama's presidency of the United States, Lucy said Africans have made indelible contributions to humanity.
"Slavery was a phase, it was part of a global economic engine," Lucy added. "No weak slaves came to the Americas - only the strongest survived the Middle Passage with no water or food. So we don't come from rinky-dink stock. We must teach our children that."

"Keep on Pushing," was Local 2627's Black History theme honoring the musical legacies of Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke with a soulful performance by their executive board member Cody Childs and The Soul Legends Band on Feb. 14.

NYCHA Clerical Employees Local 957 presented a night of fun, song and sidesplitting jokes by comediennes Nikki Carr and GL Douglass, who hosted the Feb. 18 event. Doo-wop group Choice sang classics by the Temptations and blues singer Lady Laura brought the house down and the crowd to their feet. The program was produced by Francine Crawford and Cramp in My Big Toe Productions.

"Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela have carried the torch of justice, equality and freedom," said Local 375 President Claude Fort. "As a movement we will continue their legacy for our children and generations to come." Local 375's Feb. 19 tribute to Mandela also honored DC 37 Political Director Wanda Williams and City Council member Jumaane Williams.

On March 13 the Political Action Committee held its Black History Month event with guest speakers Congress member Charlie Rangel and City Council member Darlene Mealy, and entertainment by Sid the Stilt Walker. Rangel, a Korean War veteran who defeated Adam Clayton Powell to represent Harlem in 1970, thanked the union for its continued support, and said, "Victor Gotbaum gave me my first endorsement," referring to the former DC 37 executive director.

"We need to recognize that Black History Month is every day," Roberts said. "I charge each of you to make history by helping someone in need, whether a child, a neighbor or an older person. We have to build up our communities and our city by doing good."

— Alfredo Alvarado, Gregory N. Heires and Joe Lopez contributed to this article.