Memphis Commemorative Events

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Forty-five years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his life advocating for the 1,300 striking sanitation workers of AFSCME Local 1733. This year, we return to Memphis April 2-4 to honor Dr. King with a series of commemorative events.  We hope that you will join us during a historic week that promises to inspire, engage and move forward our cause of workers’ rights.

Events will kick off with a meeting of the Organizing Committee of the International Executive Board from 1-5 p.m. at the Local 1733 union hall, 485 Beale Street in Memphis.  As part of that organizer training, we ask that each affiliate send its most experienced volunteer member organizer to participate. This organizer should have extensive housecall experience, as training on site will be limited.

On the morning of April 3, committee members and volunteer member organizers will be briefed and make housecalls to Memphis school employees. Later that evening, from 7-10pm, you are invited to join with fellow activists, community partners, students and clergy in the historic Mason Temple at 930 Mason St, Memphis, TN. Highlights include entertainment, a panel discussion on economic justice and special remarks from civil rights leaders.

Then, on April 4th at 8:30am, we will rename a local street “1968 Strikers Lane,” then march from AFSCME Local 1733 (485 Beale Street) to the National Civil Rights Museum (450 Mulberry Street) and end with a rally. Later in the afternoon, we will host a BBQ at Local 1733.

We look back this year, we remember, because we know that the foundation laid in the most triumphant and tragic days of the civil rights movement -- of the labor movement -- must inspire and guide us in the struggles we now face as public service workers. Please RSVP to attend these events with the form below.

In solidarity,

Lee Saunders
AFSCME President

Registration information:

Download the Event Registration/Housing Form

Return completed form by Friday, March 15 to:
AFSCME, Conference & Travel Services
1625 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20036-5687
email: ctshousing@afscme.org
fax: 202-452-4026