I AM - Be the Change Archive

The fifth I AM Story episode explores how today’s labor leaders use the lessons of ‘68

AFSCME releases the fifth and final episode of the I AM Story podcast.

‘I AM Story’ podcast: Episode 2 is now available

The second episode of the “I AM Story” podcast is now live and available for download.

AFSCME launches ‘I AM Story’ podcast

AFSCME launches the first episode of its “I AM Story” podcast.

AFSCME’s Saunders honored by Labor Heritage Foundation

President Lee Saunders was awarded the Labor Heritage Foundation’s 2022 Solidarity Forever Award.

October 21, 2021

At Morehouse College, AFSCME’s Saunders urges students to be part of social change

AFSCME President Lee Saunders spoke at Morehouse College’s Crown Forum, urging students to be part of social change.

‘Though small in stature, he was a giant among men’

We remember civil rights icon U.S. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, a friend of labor throughout his illustrious life and career.

January 20, 2020

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Labor Legacy

AFSCME President Lee Saunders explores Dr. Martin Luther King’s labor legacy.

August 30, 2019

Remembering Brother Baxter Leach, A 1968 Memphis Sanitation Striker

We celebrate the life of Brother Baxter Leach, a 1968 Memphis sanitation striker, who remained a labor and civil rights activist until his death this week.

We Carry on Dr. King’s Fight

We honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by carrying on his fight, 51 years after he paid the ultimate price.

February 07, 2019

NAACP President: Labor Rights Are Civil Rights

The head of the NAACP, Derrick Johnson, made a strong case for a future in which the fights for labor rights and civil rights are one and the same.

January 21, 2019

Honoring Dr. King

On the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final speech – and from the same pulpit at Mason Temple in Memphis – AFSCME President Lee Saunders reflected on Dr. King’s civil rights and labor rights legacy.

The Week of I AM Commemorations

Thousands marched to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s death and the Memphis, Tennessee, sanitation workers’ strike.

‘I AM 2018’ Rally Participants Urged to Continue Dr. King’s Struggle

Thousands marched to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s death and the Memphis, Tennessee, sanitation workers’ strike.

AFSCME in Memphis: I AM 2018 is Call to Action to “Reach the Promised Land”

On the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Mountaintop” speech, AFSCME Pres. Lee Saunders echoed King’s words on the struggle for racial and economic justice.

February 02, 2018

Nation Observes Moment of Silence to Honor Cole, Walker

The nation honored Echol Cole and Robert Walker for their sacrifices 50 years ago – and for changing the course of our history.

February 01, 2018

Honoring Cole, Walker and the Sanitation Workers’ Strike

Across the country, working people honored two Memphis sanitation workers whose deaths triggered the historic 1968 sanitation workers’ strike.

January 31, 2018

Join the Nationwide Moment of Silence

Cities across the country observe a moment of silence on February 1, honoring AFSCME sanitation workers and their historic strike.

January 15, 2018

On The Record: I AM 2018

As we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. we celebrate a champion of both civil rights and labor rights.

AFSCME Launches Campaign to Honor Dr. King, 1968 Memphis Sanitation Strikers

AFSCME is launching a campaign of education and activism to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the 1968 sanitation workers’ strike in Memphis.