PHOTO-GALLERY
African Heritage Committees

For more than 10 years the United Federation of Teachers African Heritage Committee actively participates in the annual Harlem Week Festivities. Pictured are members of the committee at the Children's Festival in August, where members give out back to school UFT supplies and "goody bags" for the children of Harlem.

United Federation of Teachers African Heritage Committee actively participates in the annual Harlem Week Festivities.

Black History Month celebration 2002 featured renowned African Storyteller: Kala Jojo, from Philadelphia. Kala Jojo gave a wonderful demonstration of how storytelling can be used in the classroom to help our students remember key information.

Kala Jojo and Committee chair Anthony Hamlon

At an event at the Black National Theatre,
Left to right: Maggie Martin, Elementary School Chapter Leader Queens, Harriet Merchant, former UFT Treasurer and officer liaison to the committee; Anthony Harmon, Committee Chair; and Michelle Bodden , Vice President Elementary Schools and current officer liaison to the committee.

Neither rain, nor snow can keep the committee from participating in the Annual West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn . The rain could not stop our members from the experience of riding down the parkway on the UFT float. The committee also participates in this celebration providing more UFT give-aways to the children

Members attending the National Coalition of Black Trade Unionist Convention held in Florida in 2002. Left to right: Shelvy Young Abrams, Paraprofessional Chapter Vice President, Michelle Bodden, Antony Harmon, Peggy Girtman Atkins, LeRoy Barr, Special Rep. and they are joined by Joey of the IBEW.

Hey, Hey, the gang is all here. In August 2003 some members of the committee attended a function sponsored by Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce to commemorate the ending of another successful Harlem Week celebration. The event was held at Terrace on the Park Restaurant in Harlem .

In August 2003 some members of the committee attended a function sponsored by Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce to commemorate the ending of another successful Harlem Week celebration.

Focusing on the seven principles of Kwanzaa, the committee held its annual Kwanzaa Celebration on December 16, 2003. Over 100 teachers, paras, and secretaries attended the event. The celebration featured speakers on the principles of Kwanzaa, an African Style Market Place, poetry recitals, student participation, and door prizes. A great time was had by all. New teacher credit was also given.

Kwanzaa Celebration

Michelle Bodden at Kwanzaa Celebration