b'CITY EMPLOYEES UNION LOCAL 237AFFILIATED WITH THEINTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS216 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10011-7296Carter G. Woodson, known as the father of black history, wholaunched the celebration of Negro History Week in 1926, famouslysaid: Those who have no history of what their forebears haveaccomplished lose inspiration which comes from the teaching ofbiography and history.Teamsters Local 237s Oral History Project reflects that principle very well. Conceived by the late Nancy B. True, former Director of the Retiree Division, more than 25 years ago, this huge undertakingis not only about Local 237s past, but also about our future.The project records more than six decades of advocacy on behalf of our members, and enshrinesthe richness of the cultural diversity we so proudly represent. Whether members origins are Hispanic,African, European, Asian, or a mixture, the Oral History Project and the resulting books are a naturalfit and a labor of love.Historian Ken Burns once said: People tend to forget that the word history contains the wordstory.The Oral History Project and its books dig even deeper by recounting the past remembered bypeople who lived it. They offer remembrances in a passionate, compelling way that no mere textbookcould ever capture. The pictures and artifacts of members experiences are not antiques, but treasureswhich will inspire and infuse with great pride our current as well as future members.As former President Barack Obama stated: The best history doesnt just sit behind a glass case; it helps us to understand whats outside the case. I thank all the participants in this project for sharing their stories. I also want to note my specialgratitude to the late Nancy B. True. She was the driving force behind this project. She understoodthe importance of preserving our past and its bearing on our future. It meant a lot to her. And I congratulate Co-Directors Julie Kobi and Susan Milisits, for their eagerness and diligence in continuing the Oral History Project and the publication of these remarkable books. Their effortsensure that Nancys inspiration will leave an indelible mark on the pages of the Oral History booksand the legacy of Local 237s Retiree Division.In solidarity,Gregory Floyd,President of Teamsters Local 237 and Vice President at-Large on the General Board of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters3 '