Public Employee Press

Strength in Diversity

Roberts leads the way
African American Day parade

In a grand display of dignity and union pride, more than 350 DC 37 members marched up Harlem’s expansive Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard Sept. 20 in the 40th annual African American Day Parade.

Grand Marshal and DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts was joined by Gov. David Paterson, Comptroller William Thompson, former Mayor David Dinkins, Harlem Congress member Charles Rangel, the Rev. Al Sharpton and famed educator Dr. Adelaide Sanford in one of the nation’s largest celebrations of African American heritage and culture.

A sea of spectators lined the sidewalks and cheered as the foremost fighters for working families — Roberts and then-mayoral hopeful Thompson — made their way up the thoroughfare, waving to friends and shaking hands along the way.

Members of the New York City Council and state Legislature, marching bands from historically Black colleges, colorfully clad fraternity and sorority steppers, and streams of people young and old celebrated in Harlem under the midday sun of a glorious late-summer afternoon.

DC 37’s green float featured the timeless music of Michael Jackson, who died June 25, and inspired people to dance in the streets in celebration of one of the greatest entertainers of all time.

DC 37 Black History Committee Co-chairs Deborah Pitts, president of Local 1113, and Robert Ajaye, president of Local 2627, organized the union’s parade participation. The committee provided T-shirts and lunches for the members, retirees, local leaders and staff who marched to the staccato beat of Brooklyn’s Soul Tigers Marching Band.

“Today, we celebrate our contributions as African Americans. We built this city, we built this country, and we have helped make America a better place for everyone,” Roberts said.

— Diane S. Williams