The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dear OCEA member,
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. While almost everyone knows about Dr. King’s civil rights efforts, far fewer are aware of his unwavering support for the labor movement. His own words, speaking to the AFL-CIO on Dec. 11, 1961, describe the history that fueled his commitment:
“Less than a century ago the laborer had no rights, little or no respect, and led a life that was socially submerged and barred. … American industry organized misery into sweatshops and proclaimed the right of capital to act without restraints and without conscience. The inspiring answer to this intolerable and dehumanizing existence was economic organization through trade unions. The worker became determined not to wait for charitable impulses to grow in his employer. … History is a great teacher. Now everyone knows that 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 attack labor forget these simple truths, but history remembers them.”
Dr. King's message resonates today just as forcefully at is did 59 years ago. We saw a reflection of that in the large turnout this weekend for the Women's March. Dr. King reminds us that the fight for civil rights is inextricably bound to the struggle working families face in this era of income inequality and gender pay discrimination. We know that when we stand together, we can win these fights and continue moving the needle toward finally fulfilling our country's promise of equality and fairness.
When we celebrate the legacy of Dr. King, let us remember the solidarity he had with our movement. Let's recommit ourselves to doing whatever we can to bring fairness and dignity to the workplace. Click here to find out how you can volunteer for just the right level of commitment that fits your schedule and comfort level. We offer training, guidance and partnership in every activity. We stand together.
I hope you enjoy the day and I hope to hear from you soon.
In Solidarity,
Charles Barfield
OCEA General Manager
Publication Date: January 19, 2020
