Teamsters Celebrate King’s Legacy

Teamsters everywhere are celebrating the legacy and contributions of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. today, January 18, 2010.

A man who promoted peace and equality for all, King devoted his life to securing rights for minorities and eliminating segregation in society. He was also a strong supporter of labor and friend to past Teamsters President, James R. Hoffa.

“We cannot talk about or celebrate labor without celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa. “The history of the labor movement is uniquely and intimately tied with the history of the civil rights movement. The two go hand-in-hand.”

Under the leadership of General President James R. Hoffa, the Teamsters donated more than $25,000 to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1961, and sent supplies to marchers and other civil rights workers camped out in Selma and Montgomery, Alabama, and other locations along the freedom ride routes.

King was supporting black public sanitary workers in Memphis the day he was assassinated, April 4, 1968.

Today, Teamsters across the country are committed to the union’s tradition of standing up for social justice. Through organizations like the Teamsters Human Rights Commission, Teamsters are able to carry on the legacy started by King.

“The Teamsters Human Rights Commission is devoted to eliminating discrimination in the workplace and promoting the value of diversity in all facets of society,” said Antonio Christian, Director of the Teamsters Human Rights Commission. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. left a beautiful example for us to follow. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for our cause and we would not be where we are today were it not for his vast contributions to society.”