“The labor movement did not diminish the strength of the nation but enlarged it. By raising the living standards of millions, labor miraculously created a market for industry and lifted the whole nation to undreamed of levels of production. Those who today attack labor forget these simple truths, but history remembers them.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Today, we honor one of the forefathers of the civil rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who fought tirelessly against racial segregation, discrimination, and disenfranchisement in this country. Dr. King dedicated his life to advancing racial and economic justice and was a steadfast supporter of the labor movement. He understood that the struggle for civil rights and workers' rights are one and the same. In 1968, Dr. King was sadly felled by an assassin’s bullet while standing in solidarity with sanitation workers on strike in Memphis, Tennessee.
The principles Dr. King fought and died for guide our union and the entire labor movement to this day. He understood the fundamental importance of solidarity and the power of workers taking collective action to demand dignity.
This MLK Day, we must stress how deeply intertwined the labor movement and the civil rights movement remain. Today, the current administration carries out illegal immigration raids, trampling on working people’s fundamental rights and freedoms and putting them in grave danger. Government discrimination is separating families, intimidating workers, and interfering with union organization in our workplaces. These actions represent a massive violation of both civil and union rights.
Just as Dr. King stood with workers across the country, we will continue to do the same. We remain committed to the simple truth that when we protect the rights of the most vulnerable among us, we strengthen the entire nation.
This King holiday, let’s remember his lasting legacy, but more importantly, practice the principles.
In Solidarity,
Kenya Campbell
President, AFT Maryland