Public Employee Press

African American Day
Parade cheers Obama

DC 37 marchers made up one of the largest contingents to do a soulful strut up Harlem’s famous Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard from 111th Street to 145th Sept. 21 as hundreds of members and retirees joined the 39th annual African American Day Parade.

DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts served as one of the grand marshals of the largest Black pride parades in America. She led the march with Gov. David Paterson and Congressman Charles Rangel, both of Harlem, City Comptroller Bill Thompson and numerous state legislators, City Council members and New York area labor leaders.

This year’s parade was energized by Sen. Barack Obama’s run for president of the United States. Waving signs for Obama, DC 37 activists drew loud applause and approving cheers from parade watchers. Local presidents, members and staff marched beside the DC 37 float, which featured the music of DJ Debonair and carried enthusiastic retirees and others. The Black History Committee organized DC 37’s participation, which was dedicated to the memory of the late Kevin D. Smith, the former committee chair, PEOPLE chair, and Local 1655 president. PEOPLE provided T-shirts and DC 37 gave lunches to more than 250 members of Locals 371, 372, 420, 768, 924, 983, 1549, 1655, 1797 and others who came to celebrate the vast contributions and dynamic culture of African Americans.

This year’s parade included a diverse group of marchers — high-energy dancers, college fraternity steppers and sororities, marching bands and drummers, veterans and military reserve troops, Firefighters, Police and Correction Officers, and labor and community groups from around the country.

— Diane S. Williams