Story and Photo by JUSTINA RAMLAKHAN

On the evening of March 14, members of the DC 37 Women’s Committee gathered in the newly renovated union hall to hold a forum in honor of Women’s History Month. Led by Committee Chair Carmen Charles, president of Local 420 Municipal Hospital Employees, and Co-chair Ruth Sabino, member and grievance representative of Social Service Employees Union Local 371, the event focused on sustaining the resilience of working women.

In her opening remarks, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson evoked the name of Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, affectionately known as ‘Mama Dukes’, an activist for racial diversity, equity, inclusion, and long-lasting social change who passed away at 92 years old on March 1, 2025. She most notably served as president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

“We have to be on the battlefield, folks,” Gibson said. “I aspire to be a fraction of the woman that Mama Dukes was. Her assignment was fulfilled, but she left a legacy for us to follow and for us to learn from her life. We cannot lose sight of this work. There is too much at risk, and it’s women who will get the work done!”

Referring to the upcoming city-wide elections, Gibson stressed the importance of electing local leaders who share the concerns of working families. As new attacks on public service workers are levied by the federal administration, she encouraged talking to neighbors and coworkers about local issues, and emphasized the role of voter education and registration.

Lifting Each Other Up

The committee co-chairs reminisced about the early years of their careers.

“I owe much of my success to my union sisters, especially Johnny Locas, a DC 37 Council Representative at the time,” Charles said. “We worked together at Coler Specialty Hospital on Roosevelt Island. She never stopped pushing me to become more involved in the union. She was one of the strongest advocates for our members even when she became the division director of the hospital. That was nearly 40 years ago!”

Sabino shared a similar sentiment.

“I was inspired by my coworkers who took on positions of service within our local, whether it was as a shop steward or delegate,” Sabino said. “From there, I attended more union events and got more involved in the Women’s Committee where I found a space to gain strength among my union sisters. I’m so grateful those around me took me under their wing and encouraged me to step up.”

Looking to the future, the leaders of the Women’s Committee hope to carry on the tradition of bringing new members into the fold of solidarity among labor women.

“I would like to see younger women get involved in their union and not just stand on the sidelines because there’s so much work to be done, whether it’s now or in the future,” Charles said. “We’re not going anywhere, and we have to be the change we want to see. I believe having younger leaders like Ruth will help attract more young people so we may pass on the torch for the fight that lies ahead.”