AFSCME Honors King Legacy with Donations to Memphis Head Start
January 31, 2008
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January 31, 2008 |
FOR A BETTER HEAD START – AFSCME President McEntee marks the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s efforts on behalf of AFSCME members with a donation of clothing, toys and other items to three Head Start centers in Memphis, TN.
Photo Credit: John L. Focht
Forty years later, Dr. Martin Luther King’s historic efforts on behalf of AFSCME’s sanitation workers are being remembered. In honor of his activities in 1968, Pres. Gerald W. McEntee recently announced the donation of $15,000 worth of clothing, toys and educational items to more than 350 children attending three Head Start centers in Memphis, TN.
AFSCME’s contributions were made during a four-day event by the AFL-CIO. It marked the 40th anniversary of Dr. King’s efforts to support the fight of Memphis sanitation workers who went on strike for recognition of their union, AFSCME Local 1733.
The AFL-CIO events included a conference attended by more than 1,000 union members from across the country; a candlelight vigil at the Shelby County Jail; and various community service projects. In addition to AFSCME’s donation, AFL-CIO Pres. John Sweeney dedicated a computer lab to Caldwell Elementary School. Memphis-area schools also received 30 computers.
Widespread news coverage took place, including this story from News Channel 3 about AFSCME’s donation of clothing, blankets, educational toys, TVs and VCRs and other items to Hollywood Head Start, Bickford Head Start and Gaston Head Start.
“We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn’t matter with me now. Because I’ve been to the mountaintop.”
— from Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech in support of the striking sanitation workers
at Mason Temple in Memphis, TN, on April 3, 1968 — the day before he was assassinated.
- Read more about Dr. King’s support of AFSCME’s striking sanitation workers.
- Read President McEntee’s full statement.
- Learn more about the Tennessee Head Start program.
For more, see the coverage from WMC-TV, and stories from The Commercial Appeal on the AFL-CIO conference and reflecting on the sanitation workers' strike.
