Harlem Hell Fighters Saluted at TWU Black History Celebration

Stations VP Maurice Jenkins and Senior Director of Operations Curtis Tate give plaque to a representative of the 369 Harlem Hell Fighters Infantry Regiment

200 transit workers and their guests gathered in Harlem on February 27 for a spirited commemoration of Black History Month. Colonel Francis Kairson (U.S. Army – Ret.) discussed the history of the Harlem Hell Fighters, an all-Black brigade that distinguished itself in WWI and subsequently saw service in every major conflict of the next 80 years. Recording Secretary Latonya Crisp-Sauray addressed Black History from a different perspective, that of her family and her own life. Our own Brother Cornish (also retired) and three young people presented poetry to a rousing reception. And the All World Band, fronted by Lisa Marie Nero, brought down the house. MCs Maurice Jenkins (VP-Stations) and Curtis Tate acknowledged the presence of active members and retirees alike, including former Recording Secretary Darlyne Lawson, Secretary-Treasurer Earl Phillips, and Vice Presidents Tony Utano (Maintenance of Way) and J.P. Patafio (TA Surface).