News & Views

Martin Luther King's Legacy The Courage to Dream

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In a presentation that was more like an inspirational church sermon and comedy routine than a traditional union retiree program, long-time community activist and poet Felipe Luciano, co-founder of the Young Lords Party in 1969 and now assistant to Local 237 President Greg Floyd, urged retirees at the Retiree Division’s annual tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. to remain true to their dreams. “Do not let present circumstances make you give up your dream, no matter what,” he said. The theme of the program, held January 14 and conducted by Retiree Division Director Nancy True, was “The Courage to Dream.”

Weaving together personal experiences, biblical stories of Moses, Joseph, and David, and references to more recent “dreamers” like “the people down South,” Muhammed Ali, King, and Barack Obama, Luciano gave examples of how dreams and faith can triumph over even the greatest adversity. “If we all believed in logic and pragmatism, Obama wouldn’t be in the White House,” he said. He warned against “dream killers”—people, even well meaning, who “make you doubt yourself.”

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Retiree Division Events and Announcements

Watch video highlights of Local 237's 2009 Founders Day celebration.  And see the photos.

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"Retired From Work, Not From The Union"

The Retiree Division is 8,000-strong, and growing. Local 237 retirees span six decades, ranging in age from 35 to 95. Just under 90 percent are men, most are married, and hundreds have young children. About 85 percent are in the New York area, but Local 237 retirees live in 48 states and Washington, DC, and in nearly a dozen countries and U.S. territories.

Local 237's Retiree Division exemplifies the Teamsters' lifelong commitment to members. The Division's programs and services reflect Local 237's philosophy: You may retire from work, but you never retire from the union.

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Citywide and Housing Members

Local 237 retirees served the city of New York faithfully for years and helped build Local 237 into a powerful force. They are responsible for many of the benefits city employees enjoy today.

Retirees have a right to a secure, rewarding retirement. Programs, services, and activities sponsored by the Local 237 Retiree Division are union benefits to which all retired members in the Housing and Citywide Divisions are entitled.


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Retiree Division Staff
Nancy B. True Director
Winston A. George Deputy Director
Donna Ristorucci Assistant Director, Editor, Retiree News & Views
Susan Milisits Assistant Director, Retiree Education and Recreation Programs
Shavon Banks Division Secretary
Susana Vulijscher
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