Students from Teachers College Community School in Manhattan get up close and personal with the traditional lion performance at the event.
Teacher Sahar Shabazz of PS 129 in Manhattan believes cultural diversity should be celebrated, so she eagerly attended the UFT Asian Heritage Committee’s Heritage Dinner. “All groups should build on an understanding of various cultures, welcome diversity and strengthen community between us all,” said Shabazz. “My experience was rich and fruitful — although, I admit, I had to reteach myself how to use chopsticks.” About 200 UFT members and guests attended the May 22 celebration of AANHPI (Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander) Heritage Month at a Chinatown restaurant. Retired UFT Secretary and Staff Director LeRoy Barr was honored for strengthening the UFT Professional Committees and supporting people of color, while Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance Treasurer Virginia Eng, a retired teacher from PS 42 in Manhattan, received the Marian C. Thom Award. “The banquet is an opportunity to celebrate Asian American labor, particularly paraprofessionals, teachers and all other school staff,” committee Chair Seung Lee said.
