BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2026
From Struggle to Strength: A Legacy Formed Out of Resiliency!
Today, we welcome Black History Month! We’re thinking about the accomplishments, contributions, and culture of Black Americans all month. We’re studying the strategies, courage, and inspired genius of folks we’ve had the pleasure to share space with historically. At DC 37, Black History Month is a time of reflection on the Black union trailblazers who courageously supported the civil rights movement (a union issue!) and paved the way for us to continue the fight for justice and equality. Their daring to be powerful and impactful means we have a beacon to aspire to!
This month at 125 Barclay HQ, we have a series of events our Black History Month Committee put together, open to all members and their families. Will you be there? First up is our opening event TONIGHT at 6 p.m. with guest performances by award-winning actor, producer, director, Jazz vocalist, and Artistic Theater Director at Nuyorican Poet Cafe Rome Neal @romeneal52, and Reverend Selene Crawford of the Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
Opening Ceremony: Monday, February 2, at 6 p.m. Special Guest Performer: Reverend, Selene Crawford of the Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
Local 1930: Saturday, February 21, from 3-7 p.m. at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 515 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10037
Local 372: Friday, February 20, 2026, from 7-11 p.m.
Local 2627: Thursday, February 26, at 6 p.m.
SSEU Local 371: Friday, February 6, at 5 p.m.
DC 37 Black History Finale, sponsored by Local 1549- Friday, February 27, at 6 p.m.
All programs are at DC 37 Headquarters at 125 Barclay Street unless otherwise noted.
VOLUNTEER FOR PROJECT HOPE
On the night of Tuesday, Feb. 3, the NYC Department of Social Services will conduct the 21st annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) Survey– and NYC needs your help.
HOPE is a point-in-time survey undertaken each winter to estimate the number of New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness on one of the coldest nights of the year. The results gathered through this survey provide the city with valuable information that helps inform the allocation of resources to address homelessness.
Volunteers conduct the HOPE survey by canvassing streets, parks, subways, and other public spaces, and are needed from approximately 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. on the night of January 27. Just a few hours of your time will help with ongoing efforts to support New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness and encourage them to take that first important step to leave the streets and subways and accept the vital services and support they need and deserve.
We encourage you to volunteer on your own or with friends and family. Please visit nyc.gov/hope to learn more and to register. There are HOPE training sites across the 5 boroughs you can select. Your participation is essential to helping address the challenge of homelessness and support some of our city’s most vulnerable residents as they get back on their feet.
Note: If you plan to volunteer and would like to be featured in PEPtalk to tell the story of your experience, please contact us at communications@dc37.net.
DC 37 SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
DC 37 POLITICAL ACTION DEPARTMENT
Attend Political Action Committee Meetings
Join us for our monthly Political Action Committee Meetings to find out more about what’s happening in City Hall and Albany. Meetings usually take place on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6 p.m.
Next meeting: Thursday, February 12 | Register HERE.
Join the fight to get pro-worker candidates elected – support the DC 37 PEOPLE Program!
Under the new presidential administration, government jobs, safety net programs, and remote work options are under attack. We must support candidates who will fight against attempts to cut jobs and the advances we’ve fought hard for. By joining the PEOPLE Program — our DC 37 political action fund — we can get leaders in office who will fight for workers’ rights over corporate greed. PEOPLE contributions are used for Get Out the Vote campaigns, lobbying on member issues, directly supporting pro-worker candidates, and other important activities that we are restricted from using dues money to conduct.
Join PEOPLE HERE.
2026 DC 37 Lobby Day
Save the date for our 2026 Lobby Day! On Wednesday, March 4, we will travel to Albany to speak with State legislators about Tier 6 Reform, Taxing the rich, workplace safety, and other legislative priorities.
Buses will depart from DC 37 headquarters at 125 Barclay Street, New York, NY 10007. Registration is required. Register HERE to participate.
DC 37 MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES HOUSING PROGRAM
First-Time Homebuyer’s Workshop
MEHP is excited to present a First-Time Homebuyer’s Workshop. Discover the details of the mortgage process, explore special programs and grants created for first-time buyers, and gain expert guidance from housing specialists. This workshop will equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to confidently take the next step toward owning your home.
Saturday, February 7, 11 a.m. | Register HERE.
Saturday, February 21, 11 a.m. | Register HERE.
MCU First-Time Homebuyer Workshop
Are you thinking of buying your first home but don’t know where to begin? The DC 37 Municipal Employees Housing Program is pleased to announce the MCU First-Time Homebuyer Workshop. Join us as we discuss the mortgage process. We want to assist you on your journey to homeownership. We will cover pre-approvals, debt-to-income ratios, PMI, FHA loans, Conventional Loans, and much more. We will have a Question & Answer session after the presentation. We hope to see you there!
Thursday, January 15, 6:15 p.m. | Register HERE.
DC 37 PRIDE DIVERSITY INTEREST GROUP (PDIG)
The DC 37 Pride Diversity Interest Group (PDIG) meets every second Monday at 6:30 p.m. at DC 37 Headquarters. For more information, contact Committee Chair Andrew Douglas at adouglas@sseu371.org.
DC 37 CLIMATE JUSTICE COMMITTEE
The DC 37 Climate Justice Committee will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 6 p.m. via Zoom and telephone. During the meeting, the Committee will discuss our work, including supporting the TEMP Bill in Albany, environmental contract recommendations, and addressing extreme temperatures in school kitchens, while working to improve ventilation and address additional environmental issues in our public schools. For more information and the Zoom link, contact Jon Forster, Co-Chair of the Climate Justice Committee, at 4unionnow@gmail.com.
DC 37 HOUSING COMMITTEE
Please join the DC 37 Housing Committee’s virtual meeting on Monday, Feb. 2, at 6 p.m. Housing Committee Chair and President of Local 1359 Dennis Ifill will discuss housing issues, resources, and upcoming events. You must register to attend HERE. The virtual meeting room opens at 5:50 p.m., and the meeting begins at 6 p.m.
DC 37 EDUCATION FUND
The Education Fund Is Still Accepting Applications for Winter 2026 Classes!
If you are looking to enroll in an Education Fund program, now is the time to apply. Space in many programs is limited, so to find out what is available to apply for a course, view our list of programs by clicking HERE.
Changes To Tuition Reimbursement Benefit
Beginning with classes, courses, and workshops taken on or after January 1, 2024, eligible DC 37 members can now be reimbursed up to $1,500 by the DC 37 Education Fund if the requirements for reimbursement are met. Additionally, tuition reimbursement applications can now be submitted completely online. For more information on the changes to the reimbursement benefit, please click HERE.
COMPTIA+ Certification Classes for DC 37 Members
The Education Fund, in conjunction with CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), offers various CompTIA+ certification courses. Each course prepares members to sit for certification exams such as CompTIA Linux+ and Network+. Each course has specific prerequisites and requirements, so it is essential to ensure you are able and eligible to take them.  For more information on the courses with CUNY BMCC, click HERE.
Computer Classes for DC 37 Members
The Education Fund has various computer classes in Microsoft Office applications for interested members. Please see the schedules and registration links below:
Hostos Community College Online Sessions
Course Schedule: