King Day Participants to Celebrate Historic Shift in Nation’s Politics

by James Parks, Nov 15, 2008

AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker and Rep. John Conyers reflect on Martin Luther King Jr.’s support for workers.

As the United States prepares to inaugurate its first African American president, hundreds of union and civil rights activists will celebrate and honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., who helped pave the way for this historic shift in the nation’s politics.

During the annual AFL-CIO King Day celebration, held Jan. 15–19, 2009, in New Orleans, participants will examine what the 2008 election means for our nation and working families and give back through community service in a city that continues to suffer from the effects of Hurricane Katrina, which hit three years ago.

AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker says King’s legacy is directly linked to the political actions of people of color and union members. She reminds us that King often tied the civil rights and union rights movements as one in the same.

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