The 1968 Sanitation Workers’ Strike That Drew MLK to Memphis

What was the slogan used by the Memphis sanitation workers during their strike?

• Equal Pay for Equal Work

• I am a man

• Workers Unite

• Justice for All

Answer explanation

The slogan "I am a man" was prominently used by the Memphis sanitation workers during their strike in 1968, symbolizing their demand for dignity and respect in the workplace.

What event sparked the sanitation workers' strike in Memphis in 1968?

• A wage cut for workers

• The election of a new mayor

• The deaths of Echol Cole and Robert Walker

• A new city ordinance

Answer explanation

The sanitation workers' strike in Memphis in 1968 was sparked by the tragic deaths of Echol Cole and Robert Walker, who were killed while working under unsafe conditions, highlighting the need for better labor rights and safety.

What was the hourly wage of the Memphis sanitation workers before the strike?

• 65 cents

• 50 cents

• 75 cents

• 80 cents

Answer explanation

The hourly wage of the Memphis sanitation workers before the strike was 65 cents. This figure reflects the low pay that contributed to their demand for better wages and working conditions.

Who was the leader that invited Martin Luther King Jr. to support the Memphis sanitation workers' strike?

• Bayard Rustin

• Ralph Abernathy

• James Lawson

• Andrew Young

Answer explanation

James Lawson was a key figure in the civil rights movement and played a crucial role in organizing the Memphis sanitation workers' strike, inviting Martin Luther King Jr. to lend his support to the cause.

What was the outcome of the Memphis sanitation workers' strike?

• The strike was called off without any resolution

• The strike led to a decrease in wages

• Workers received raises and union recognition

• The strike was unsuccessful

Answer explanation

The Memphis sanitation workers' strike successfully resulted in workers receiving raises and union recognition, addressing their demands for better wages and working conditions.

What significant speech did Martin Luther King Jr. deliver in Memphis during the strike?

• The Drum Major Instinct

• I've Been to the Mountaintop

• Letter from Birmingham Jail

• I Have a Dream

Answer explanation

Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the significant speech "I've Been to the Mountaintop" in Memphis during the sanitation workers' strike, emphasizing the struggle for workers' rights and his vision for equality.

What was the broader movement that the Memphis sanitation workers' strike was a part of?

• The Women's Rights Movement

• The Environmental Movement

• The Civil Rights Movement

• The Anti-War Movement

Answer explanation

The Memphis sanitation workers' strike in 1968 was a key event within the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting issues of racial inequality and workers' rights, as the predominantly Black workers demanded fair wages and better working conditions.

What was the reaction of the police to the peaceful protest on February 23, 1968?

• They provided security for the protest

• They ignored the protest

• They used tear gas on the protesters

• They joined the protest

Answer explanation

The police reacted to the peaceful protest on February 23, 1968, by using tear gas on the protesters, indicating a violent response rather than support or indifference.

What was Martin Luther King Jr.'s focus in 1968 that aligned with the sanitation workers' strike?

• The Poor People's Campaign

• The Voting Rights Act

• The Freedom Rides

• The March on Washington

Answer explanation

In 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. focused on the Poor People's Campaign, which aimed to address economic injustice and support marginalized workers, aligning with the sanitation workers' strike for better wages and working conditions.

What was the primary demand of the Memphis sanitation workers during their strike?

• Better working conditions and higher wages

• Retirement benefits

• Shorter working hours

• More vacation days

Answer explanation

The primary demand of the Memphis sanitation workers during their strike was for better working conditions and higher wages, highlighting their need for fair treatment and adequate compensation for their labor.