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- MLK: He Died Defending Union Rights
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- Dick Meister
This year, on the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s death, is an appropriate time to again recall his extraordinary efforts for working people and their unions. It's a time to recall that he was in fact assassinated while campaigning in behalf of workers who were demanding union rights, which Dr. King considered among the most important of civil rights. Although it's rarely noted, Dr. King was a staunch supporter of organized labor, as an essential vehicle for bettering the lives of Americans, black and white alike.
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Piece Description
This year, on the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s death, is an appropriate time to again recall his extraordinary efforts for working people and their unions. It's a time to recall that he was in fact assassinated while campaigning in behalf of workers who were demanding union rights, which Dr. King considered among the most important of civil rights. Although it's rarely noted, Dr. King was a staunch supporter of organized labor, as an essential vehicle for bettering the lives of Americans, black and white alike.
Broadcast History
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Transcript
I think it?s a good time, on the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Junior?s death, to remind ourselves again of his extraordinary efforts in behalf of working people .. efforts that were among the most important of his life ? time to recall that Dr. King was in fact assassinated while campaigning for the rights of workers.
He was killed in April of 1968, remember, as he was campaigning for striking sanitation workers who were demanding that the city of Memphis, Tennessee, formally recognize their union and thus grant them a voice in determining their wages, hours and working conditions.
Doctor King had been with the 1300 strikers from the very beginning of their long struggle ? had come to Memphis to support them despite threats that he might be killed for doing so? threats, of course, that turned out to be disastrously real.
Doctor King considered the right to unioniz...
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Timing and Cues
INTRO: Commentator Dick Meister reflects on Martin Luther King Jr.'s staunch support of union rights.
OUTRO: Dick Meister is a veteran labor journalist.
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