Activists Gather in Memphis to Commemorate Dr. King’s Life

by Kate Childs Graham  |  March 27, 2013

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks at the Mason Temple in Memphis, Tenn., on April 3, 1968.

Forty-five years ago, 1,300 sanitation workers in the city of Memphis did the unthinkable. Dissatisfied with unfair wages that left many to rely on welfare and food stamps, frustrated with unsafe working conditions that took the lives of two of their own, the workers went on strike. They declared, simply, “I am a man.”

On April 3, 1968, a heavy storm rumbled in Memphis and threatened to keep union members, civil rights leaders and community activists at home. But the activists braved the storm and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. headed down to the Mason Temple. When he got there, Dr. King commanded the pulpit. He preached on the story of the Good Samaritan and said, “The question is not, ‘If I stop to help this man in need, what will happen to me? If I do not stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to them?’ That’s the question.”

On the following day, Dr. King was assassinated. Twelve days later, the sanitation strike ended. The city agreed to recognize the workers’ union and raise wages for the workers.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of Dr. King’s final act of solidarity. In commemoration of his life and his solidarity, union members, civil rights leaders and community activists are again gathering in Memphis for a series of historic events.

On April 3, the community will gather from 7-10 p.m. in the historic Mason Temple at 930 Mason St., Memphis, Tenn. Highlights a panel discussion on economic and racial justice including Karen Finney of MSNBC, Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN), Benjamin Todd Jealous of the NAACP, Van Jones of Rebuild the Dream and Terry O'Neill of the National Organization for Women. Civil rights leaders the Rev. Al Sharpton, AFL-CIO Exec. Vice Pres. Arlene Holt Baker, AFSCME Pres. Lee Saunders and Martin Luther King III will also give special remarks.

On April 4 at 8:30 a.m., we will rename a local street 1968 Strikers Lane, then march from AFSCME Local 1733 (485 Beale St.) to the National Civil Rights Museum (450 Mulberry St.) and end with a rally.

The invitation from Martin Luther King III, AFSCME Pres. Lee Saunders and Rev. Al Sharpton reads, “We look back this year and remember, because we know that the foundation laid in the most triumphant and tragic days of the civil rights movement – of our economic justice – must inspire and guide us in the struggles we now face.”

For more information and to RSVP, please visit www.memphis2013.org.