Teamsters March in 'Reclaim the Dream' Event
TNBC Members March In King’s Footsteps
Since its founding, the Teamsters Union has always been on the forefront of fighting for both labor rights and civil rights. The Teamsters were the first to secure a gender-blind, color-blind contract in 1917 and were the first major labor union to support Barack Obama for president.
“Civil rights and workers’ rights go hand-in-hand. Workers in this country, regardless of race, gender, religion or heritage, want and have always wanted to be treated with dignity and respect,” said Teamsters General President James Hoffa. “The best civil rights program out there is a Teamster contract.”
The link between civil and labor rights came full circle during the 2010 Teamsters National Black Caucus Conference when, on August 28—the 47th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech—TNBC members attended a rally headed by Rev. Al Sharpton in Washington, D.C.
The rally, titled “Reclaim The Dream,” brought to light many of King’s goals, including peace, harmony and economic freedom for all Americans. Community, religious and labor leaders—including TNBC President and International Vice President Al Mixon—encouraged participants to continue fighting for social, economic and civil justice.
“Our lasting strength will be a testament to our greatness,” Mixon said. “But we must all work together, support each other and support our cause if we hope to achieve greatness.”
Gregory Floyd, President of Local 237 in New York, also addressed the crowd, reminding them to never forget the connection between labor and civil rights.
“We cannot lose sight of why we are here,” Floyd said. “The Teamsters are here to support Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. because when we needed him, he was here for us. We stand in solidarity with everyone here today because labor and civil rights are one and the same.”
Standing Tall
After the rally, Sharpton personally requested that the TNBC lead a five-mile march from the rally location, Dunbar High School, to the site of the Martin Luther King memorial on the National Mall. The memorial, which is expected to be completed later this year, is designed to be a space for reflection that emphasizes three themes: justice, democracy and hope. Once finished, it will be the only memorial on the National Mall not dedicated to a former president.
To get to the site, nearly 600 TNBC participants gallantly walked arm-in-arm through the streets of Washington, D.C., upholding, remembering and honoring the humble power held by King so many years ago. For many, the march was a symbol of just how far civil rights have come since King’s time.
“It really was historic,” said Deborah Wade, a member of Local 667. “I was reminded that in 1968, Dr. King said we’d have our first black president within 40 years. To see his words come true and then to be able to march in his footsteps and help keep Dr. King’s dream alive was so very inspiring.”
The energy and inspiration increased when, as the TNBC was marching, D.C. residents came out of their homes and joined marchers in the streets. A group of a few hundred swelled to thousands thanks to support and activism from local residents.
“This kind of event really gives me hope for the future. I see so many young people, so many people from all walks of life peacefully marching arm in arm, and I know we can achieve anything,” Mixon said. “If he were here today, I think Martin Luther King Jr. would be really proud of the efforts we’re making to keep his dream alive.”