By DIANE S. WILLIAMS

DC 37’s Black History Committee kicked off a month long celebration of African-Americans and their achievements, culture and contributions at the 38^th annual Black History Month celebration at union headquarters in Lower Manhattan.

“This is the time of year we come together to celebrate African Americans as a people and share our heritage and culture,” said Deborah Pitts, the union’s Black History Committee chair and Secretary who is president of Local 1113.

Pitts, Associate Director Oliver Gray and Assistant Associate Jamila Joseph cut the ribbon to welcomed guests as a dozen local presidents and committee members attended the festive grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Feb. 1 at 5:30 p.m. in the union gallery.

Locals will sponsor events throughout February to honor and commemorate the African American legacy of struggle and advancement that has shaped this nation. See the calendar of event below:

Feb. 1                     Committee ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m.

                                Local 371 Social Service Employees Union

Feb. 7                     Local 1930 New York Public Library Guild at 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 8                     Local 1549 Clerical Administrative Employees

Feb. 11                    Local 1407 Accounts, Statisticians and Actuaries

Feb. 14                    Political Action Committee

Feb. 15                    Local 420 NYC Hospitals Employees

Feb. 21                    Local 372 Board of Education Employees

Feb. 22                   CBTU NY ChapterCoalition of Black Trade Unionists

Feb. 28                   Finale Night sponsored by DC 37 and Local 1113

For more information, please call Committee Chair Deborah Pitts, DC 37 secretary and president of Local 1113, at 212-815-1113 or the White Collar Division 212-815-1060. All events start at 6 p.m. at 125 Barclay Street, Room 1 in Lower Manhattan, unless otherwise indicated.