1968 Memphis Sanitation Strike
In February of 1968, 1100 African-American Memphis sanitation workers went on strike. Historian Ryan Jones explained the events leading up to the strike and the role it played in bringing Martin Luther King, Jr. to Memphis for the final time.
Description
In February of 1968, 1100 African-American Memphis sanitation workers went on strike. Historian Ryan Jones explained the events leading up to the strike and the role it played in bringing Martin Luther King, Jr. to Memphis for the final time.
Bell Ringer Assignment
- Describe the demographics of the city of Memphis in 1968.
- Describe the workforce of the sanitation workers in Memphis in 1968 and their compensation.
- What was the role of T. O. Jones?
- Explain the situation that occurred on February 1, 1968.
- How did the city respond?
- What were the goals of the African American sanitation workers who decided to strike?
- How did the city of Memphis respond to the strike?
- Describe the situation that unfolded during the march on March 28, 1968.
- What effect did the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. have on the Civil Rights movement and what occurred in Memphis?
- Describe the current working conditions for African American sanitation workers in Memphis.
- What is the legacy of the Sanitation Workers Strike?
Participants
Vocabulary
- Echol Cole
- Garnish
- Grievance
- Inaugurate
- Moderate
- Oppression
- Pension
- Robert Walker
- Segregate
- Southern Christian Leadership Conference
- Thomas Oliver Jones
- Wage