The DC 37 contingent in West Indian-American Day Carnival Parade Sept. 6 in Brooklyn.

Carmen Charles, chair of DC 37 Caribbean Heritage Committee and president of Municipal Hospital Employees Union Local 420.

With its flamboyant costumes, pulsating Caribbean rhythms and spicy food, the West Indian-American Day Carnival Parade in Brooklyn is without a doubt the city’s most colorful. It’s also the largest, with up to 2 million people taking part every Labor Day.

Joining the celebration as it rolled down Eastern Parkway Sept. 6 was a festive contingent of DC 37 members, who marched along with local politicians, marching bands and other community groups.

“It’s very important that we come out to Brooklyn for this tremendous parade, because we need to make a political statement,” said Carmen Charles, president of Municipal Hospital Employees Local 420 and chair of DC 37’s Caribbean Heritage Committee. “We need to show not only our diversity but also the significant contribution that the Caribbean community has made to the city’s labor movement.”

Local 420 Chapter Chair Ursula Joseph marches at front of DC 37 contingent.