Public Employee Press

Celebrating Asian Hertiage

By JOSEPH LOPEZ

At a time when union solidarity is more important than ever, the DC 37 family joined on May 15 to commemorate the many achievements of the Asian community at the annual Asian Heritage Celebration.

The night featured dances and musical performances from various Asian cultures, a Bangladeshi magic show, and a moment of silence in recognition of the recent earthquakes that struck Nepal, which is located in South Asia.

"The Asian contribution to American culture has been enormous," said DC 37 Asian Heritage Committee Chairman Maf Misbah Uddin, treasurer of DC 37 and president of Local 1407.

Asians have helped grow the fields of science, mathematics, computers, sports and music to name just a few. "Our traditions of respect for family, hard work, sacrifice, education and religious values have enriched every community in which we live," Uddin said.

The theme for this year's program was "Asian Americans in Politics."

"While there are many benefits to being a part of the union, many members don't realize that unions hold an important voice in politics," said DC 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido, the keynote speaker of the evening. He spoke of labor's ability to bring topics such as affordable housing and income inequality to the political table.

Garrido stressed how important it is for members to be actively involved in the union. "Organizing is not easy, but without you, the members, we as leaders do not have the power for change," he said.

Awards were presented to Jennifer Raj Kumar, district leader of Manhattan, and Benjamin Mojica, of the New York City Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene, and, posthumously, to Police Officer Wen Jan Liu, who was killed in the line of duty earlier this year.