In a landmark year for the LGBTQ community, UFT members and their families marched in Queens on June 2, and in Brooklyn on June 8, to celebrate Pride Month. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, where the patrons of Manhattan’s Stonewall Inn revolted against police brutality and launched the modern LGBTQ rights movement.

Nearly 500 retirees shared stories and camaraderie on May 28 at the UFT’s 56th annual Retiree Luncheon at the New York Hilton in midtown Manhattan, honoring fellow members for chapter leadership, political and human rights activities, community service and for 50, 60 and 70 years of union membership.

The 33rd annual UFT and DOE School Counselor Recognition Day Awards Ceremony on May 31 at the UFT’s Brooklyn borough office recognized the contributions of 26 school counselors from all around the city.

More than 800 middle and high school students heard what it’s like to struggle with addiction from young people not much older than themselves at a conference on substance abuse co-sponsored by the UFT and held at union headquarters in Manhattan on May 29.

The line stretched around PS 160 in Jamaica, Queens, and down the block at the UFT’s First Book giveaway on June 1. The incentive: 40,000 free books.

Thirty-two student projects were honored May 30 at the 13th annual Better Speech and Hearing Month Celebration at UFT headquarters in Manhattan, where about 200 students, parents and speech and hearing providers gathered in Shanker Hall for a ceremony and dinner.

The second annual Daniel Dromm Scholarship Brunch at UFT headquarters in Manhattan on June 1 kicked off Pride Month, honored members of the LGBTQ community past and present and honored five high school seniors with $1,000 scholarships for being exemplary students and LGBTQ student activists.

In a first, Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza rode the UFT float with UFT Vice President Evelyn DeJesus in the Puerto Rican Day Parade on June 9.

In a room full of laughter and some tears, more than 50 educators were recognized at the union’s first District 75 Tenure Celebration on June 11.

School secretaries received compliment after compliment at their 33rd annual School Secretaries of the Year Awards Luncheon on June 15, when eight chapter members were honored at UFT headquarters in Manhattan.