Public Employee Press


Snapshots
Mandela drama a big hit with members

By ALFREDO ALVARADO

AFTER TWO well-received presentations of the dynamic play "Mandela" at DC 37's Black History Month Finale Night on Feb. 29, playwright Yolanda Brooks and director John Ruiz, along with the cast, honored Local 768 President Fitz Reid for his leadership.

"Fitz and I started at the Dept. of Health together and from the start he was never afraid to speak up for workers' rights," said Brooks. "Seeing Fitz stand up let me know that I could too."

Brooks, a Local 768 Public Sanitarian, and retired Firefighter Ruiz co-wrote the drama based on the life and struggles of South African freedom fighter Nelson Mandela and his wife, Winnie. The play starred awardwinning actor Lloyd Goodman, Local 371 member Jimmy Garrett, and members of the East Harlem Reparatory Theater.

The DC 37 Black History Committee and DC 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido sponsored the presentation of "Mandela" to culminate the union's month long celebration of African American history and culture in February.