Activists to Launch New Poor People’s Campaign
On the 50th anniversary of the Memphis sanitation workers strike, thousands of activists across the country will come together once again to launch what they call a new Poor People’s Campaign. The Memphis sanitation strike began on Feb. 12, 1968, when hundreds of Black workers went on strike for recognition of their union, which later became a centerpiece of the campaign by Martin Luther King Jr. Organizers say they’re planning six weeks of nonviolent direct action to support higher wages and union rights for fast food, retail, and other low wage workers. Activists in Chicago are expected to hold a press conference at a McDonald’s and march near Marquette Park, which will culminate in a speak-out session near Holy Cross Hospital, which turned away King when he was injured marching against racism in Chicago.