pdf  Retiree News & Views - Sept/Oct 2014

Members of the Latino Committee with Winston George, deputy director, Retiree Division, far left, and Luz Carty, counselor, Retiree Division, surround the newly crowned king, Raymond Perez, and queen, Veronica Davis.

The annual Retiree Division Latino Heritage Celebration focused on the strengths of Latina women and their increasing role as breadwinners, activists and leaders on the world stage.

Guest speaker Sonia Ossorio, president of the New York City Chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW), was instrumental in helping Local 237 advance the school safety agents’ equal pay lawsuit. The suit was recently settled with New York City to bring agents’ wages in parity with other peace officers who work for the city. “I knew it was a great opportunity,” said Ossorio, who in addition to advocating for fair wages, called for more Latinas to run for office and fight for changes in the workplace.

Nancy B. True, director, Retiree Division, and Winston George, deputy director, presented Ossorio with a Golden Teamster Award for her outstanding support.

In keeping with tradition, a drawing was held to select a new Latino Heritage king, Raymond Perez, and queen, Veronica Davis, both NYCHA retirees. They were crowned by last year’s king, Larry Torregiano, and queen, Evelyn Malave.

Sonia Ossorio, president, New York City Chapter, National Organization for Women, displays her Golden Teamster Award, and is flanked, from left, by Winston George and Nancy B. True, director, Retiree Division; Maria Aponte, poet and performance artist, recites from her book.

Maria Aponte, a poet, performance artist and women’s rights activist read from her book, “Transitions of a Nuyorikan Cinderella,” accompanied by musicians Dwight Brewster and Chacho Ramirez. The words and music evoked a vibrant portrait of a woman’s life in New York City’s barrio.

The Latino Planning Committee members made presentations on several topics. Olga Perez-Vasallo discussed “Balancing work and family;” Cejester Walker discussed “Latinas who fought for citizenship;” and Elsa Nias discussed “Latinas in politics.”

After the presentations, Luz Carty, Retiree Division counselor and event coordinator along with Winston George, said, “I’m a second generation Latina and it’s a privilege to learn from this committee and presenters.”

 

Photos by Tania Lambert.