This weekend, the AFL-CIO hosted the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Awards Luncheon and Community Service Weekend. This year’s theme, “The Struggle Is Free, but the Dream Must Be Televised,” represents the constant battle for civil rights and justice that continues to plague our country. While the results of the election unveiled the sobering similarities with the civil rights movement, we still dream of the world Dr. King so eloquently described in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. The labor movement will remain steadfast in our fight for civil, human and women’s rights, and to make justice a reality for everyone. We are the drum majors for justice, and together we will honor the everyday heroes who are working tirelessly to improve jobs and achieve justice.
Here are some key tweets from this year's event:
Thrilled to host our annual #1uMLK awards. Follow us today to see the finished product of the visual notes pic.twitter.com/VrOpAwYP5r
— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) January 15, 2017
It is our duty to fight for our freedom….we have nothing to lose but our chains. https://t.co/cr66qF2uX3 #1uMLK pic.twitter.com/80g63EEgY9
— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) January 14, 2017
Nearly 60 members of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ Mass Choir sing Lift Every Voice & Sing. #1uMLK pic.twitter.com/o3SJ99GpZ7
— The LA Fed (@LALabor) January 14, 2017
We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change we seek. https://t.co/cr66qF2uX3 @BarackObama #1uMLK pic.twitter.com/Sb6oCcwmU0
— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) January 15, 2017
The words of @BreeNewsome inspire us all #1uMLK pic.twitter.com/SggZiHav9U
— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) January 15, 2017
There are difficult days ahead, but @Tefere_Gebre reminds us that when we stand together, there is nothing more powerful. #1uMLK pic.twitter.com/neIPuRwn0w
— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) January 15, 2017
.@CarmenSpinDiego and future activist Xymphonii recite the pledge of allegiance #1umlk pic.twitter.com/D0DdWMeo17
— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) January 15, 2017
Magic is happening here #1uMLK @seeincolors pic.twitter.com/Dnq4yDcYfL
— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) January 15, 2017
Honored to have President @RichardTrumka keeping Dr King's legacy going strong at #1uMLK pic.twitter.com/pWvA7oourW
— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) January 15, 2017
.@elizabethforma isn't afraid to take on race, she is the winner of our Defender of the Dream Award #1umlk pic.twitter.com/VrhrAfbjM5
— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) January 15, 2017
Unsung hero award goes to the people who made the @BaztaArpaio campaign win by harnessing the power of people of color. #1uMLK pic.twitter.com/HvHGIXzEGw
— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) January 15, 2017
"A tireless organizer & true leader who always comes through" @lizshuler honors Petee Talley @ohioaflcio w #1uMLK lifetime achievement award pic.twitter.com/zLHZY9lvOv
— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) January 15, 2017
"I organize to dismantle the racist system that disenfranchises our people" We honor @msladyjustice1 at #1uMLK pic.twitter.com/W80Meodyz3
— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) January 15, 2017
Mike De La Rocha of @RevolveImpact thanks @MariaEDurazo for encouraging him to join @MusiciansUnion #1uMLK pic.twitter.com/Dt7dTS2bTV
— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) January 15, 2017
"Our strength is our determination. Our values is what defines our souls." @UFCW Marc Perrone w @RichardTrumka at #1uMLK pic.twitter.com/ZmbZEfRgjv
— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) January 15, 2017
We join @osope in declaring black bodies will no longer be sacrificed for the rest of the world's enlightenment. #BlackLivesMatter #1uMLK pic.twitter.com/Nj2xYS2eCE
— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) January 15, 2017
.@JussieSmollett @AFLCIO #1uMLK on being an artist activist "we must never be silent" and raise our voices together to make change!
— Liz Shuler (@lizshuler) January 15, 2017
Fred Redmond thx @RichardTrumka for leading to an America where all of us achieve promise of citizenship & be judged by character not color pic.twitter.com/hRWvSx7N9B
— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) January 15, 2017
Thank you to our artists, bringing life to the #1uMLK awards today: @CecilyAlexa @afroCHuBBZ @seeincolors @lee_anderson
— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) January 15, 2017
Inspiring stories at #1uMLK, see visual notes @AFLCIO @CarmenSpinDiego pic.twitter.com/I5PUytQ7R0
— Lisa Nelson (@seeincolors) January 15, 2017