'It's AFSCME Time'

The Rev. Jesse Jackson also recalled the legacy of Dr. King in his address to the Convention, urging AFSCME to complete Dr. King’s work by narrowing the gaps between rich and poor, blacks and whites, new immigrants and longtime citizens. “Include all,” the civil rights activist said. “Leave no American behind.”

Jackson praised AFSCME and its officers for acting as “a moral authority around the world.” Jackson, a King protégé, recalled that the civil rights leader was slain in Memphis in 1968 while working for striking AFSCME sanitation workers. “His last act on earth was standing with AFSCME,” Jackson said.

Jackson also condemned Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.). “I say we build a midnight train to Georgia and put Gingrich on it — with a one-way ticket,” he said to roaring laughter.

The two-time presidential candidate said that while he has not decided whether to run in the year 2000, he intends to “change the frame of the debate. The debate must make sense for working people.”

Jackson called for improvements in housing, health care, education and political participation. He called on Labor to lead the way. “When you the workers change your mind, you can change America,” he declared. “You the workers have the power.”

He concluded: “It’s healing time. It’s hope time. It’s AFSCME time.”