Union Celebrates Dr. King on a Day Rich in History

Mike Graham brought his son, Marcus, 6, to see the MLK Monument
Mike Graham brought his son, Marcus, 6, to see the MLK Monument

Pride mixed with bitter memories in Washington as thousands converged on Washington for the dedication of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. monument on the Washington Mall. Two busloads and a host of private cars came from TWU Local 100, carrying union members and their families. For Local 100 staffer Michael Graham, it was an opportunity to take his two young children to an event that he hopes will shape their generation’s outlook. Top officers of Local 100 including Secretary-Treasurer Earl Phillips marched with union banners and placards. Said Nick Lucas of Local 100’s Election Committee, who took the photos in this article: “It was beyond impressive.

IB ImageIt was a historic day, because Martin Luther King Jr. is the only man who has a monument on the Washington Mall who was not a U.S. President. The older folks among us were totally at a loss for words. We had many TWU retirees among us, and one of the guys mentioned seeing the whole civil rights movement. He remembered the struggle with the water hoses used against people and he got so emotional it brought tears to his eyes.IB Image Former Local 100 CED Vice President Arnold Cherry was with us on the bus from Brooklyn, and he gave a little history to the kids on the bus, about how Dr. King was there for Union struggles and how the Unions were part of the civil rights movement.”