The 2024 TWU MLK Celebration was planned to be a celebration of Dr. King’s contribution to the
union movement and constant fight for all workers to have dignity and respect on the job. Dr. King was
the ultimate champion for the under-served and the rights of all men and women no matter their race,
sex, or religious belief. When it comes to unions, we along with the rest of society benefited from his
ultimate sacrifice, his life.
The weekend began with a late Friday night panel discussion made up of local union leaders and
community activists. They were tasked to cover several subjects like:
- How to get younger voters engaged
- Are we training our future union leaders and sharing information?
After the late evening we had a little time to reconnect with our fellow TWU sisters and brothers and share happenings from our locals. This is where the relationships we have developed over the previous years confirmed that we are all on the same team. Fellow TWU members I haven’t seen for many years made us feel like family when they remembered your name and local.
On Saturday we had a full schedule starting at Greater Bethal A.M.E. Church food bank. Dr. King was a
believer in giving back and helping others that were in need. On this morning we passed out over 200 bags of food with each bag able to serve a family of four. When you have people from all backgrounds and economic status stop by for a few groceries that we all take for granted, it drives the question, can we do more?
On Sunday we were invited to attend a church service at the 93 rd .St. Community Baptist Church. The
pastor and congregation were very appreciative for us visiting and had a special sermon for us. Don’t let anyone strip you of your conviction when you are doing the right thing. God will make a way. Later that evening we all took time to rest from two very busy days and fellowship before the big parade day on Monday.
Once again Monday started before the sun was up with high expectations and a since of honor. We were
warned this event was one of the longest in the U.S at 8 miles long. So put on your most comfortable shoes and be ready to go the distance. Local 291 and TWU International had a well-laid plan but there were other organizations that could not be out done. We all came to honor the legacy of Dr. King in our own way and to show his impact on our daily lives. I must say, the distance of 8 miles was pretty accurate because our feet were the proof.
Labor unions will and should always have a close connection with the legacy of Dr. King. He stood on the
front lines of economic, social injustice, and fundamental freedoms for all humans. There are times when unions members and leaders find themselves fighting for the same causes. Dr. King paid the ultimate price for a cause that sanitation workers wanted to be treated like men and like not dogs. We have had union leaders pay that same price for the workers they represent. I hope we have all learned from the lessons they taught us. We came together as a family to fellowship, to support each other for a better future, and to honor a great man that set the example.
In Solidarity,
Tracy Hardin