January 17-21, 2008, the AFL-CIO held the Dr. Martin Luthur King Jr. Holiday Observance in Memphis, TN.
Most people know that King was assassinated in Memphis, but may not actually realize that April 4, 2008 will be 40 years since the death of Martin Luthur King Jr. We should remember why he died. King died fighting for the rights of Memphis' sanitation workers. The 1300 workers demanded higher wages, the right to join a union and respect
On February 1, 1968, two sanitation workers were crushed to death when a trash compactor was accidentally triggered. On February 12, 1968 1300 sanitation workers began a strike for job safety, better wages and benefits and union recognition. At that time the mayor was not sympathetic to the demand and was opposed to the union.
As the strike lengthened, support for the strike in the community of Memphis grew.
King being a civil rights activist, was asked by Rev. James Lawson (also a civil rights activist, to come to Memphis. Dr. King agreed and came to Memphis to speak at a rally on March 18, 1968 and also agreed to lead a march on March 28th. An outbreak of violence occurred and the march ended. Dr. King agreed to come back to Memphis to lead another march which was scheduled for April 5, 1968
A U.S. District Court Judge granted the city of Memphis a temporary restraining order against Dr. King and King's associates. Rev. James Lawson and Andrew Young, who represented the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), met with the judge on April 4th and came to an agreement that the march would be held on April 8th.
Young returned to the Lorraine Motel and conveyed this message to Dr. King. Minutes later while standing on the balcony of the motel, Dr. King was assassinated.
During the AFL-CIO's observance there were many speakers. Some were Clayola Brown, Co-Char, Martin Luthur King Labor Committee, Gloria Sweet-Love, President, President, Tennessee NAACP, Rev. Jesse Jackson, President Rainbow/Push and many others. A candlelight vigil was also held. Rev. Al Sharpton spoke at a town hall meeting at Mason Temple
ON April 4, 2008, AFSCME will hold it's annual march from the King Labor Center to the Civil Rights Museum.