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Spectators from the Council for Latin American Advancement and other groups at the MLK Park We Are One rally, Seattle, 4/4/11 - photo © by Larry Neilson

Some 150 activists congregated in a steady drizzle to hear speakers and music commemorating the legacy of civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday evening. RiseUp Productions’ People’s Sound System ensured that every word was heard, loud and proud, echoing from the retaining walls of the amphitheater-shaped park, whose walls were draped with union banners and lined with union activists bearing angry signs.

Rev. Samuel B. McKinney speaks at MLK Memorial We Are One Rally, 4/4/11 - photo © by Larry Neilson

Like the signs, the speakers — drawn from labor union locals, progressive organizations, and the churches — drew the parallel between the slain leader’s times and commitments and the challenges facing working Americans today. Noting that he remembered a time when organized labor in Seattle was no friend to persons of color, the Rev. Samuel McKinney recalled how Dr. King took significant time out of his hectic schedule, preparing for the Poor People’s Campaign in early 1968, to assist striking garbage workers in Memphis, the incident that led to his untimely murder. McKinney elucidated the parallel with the present day, when the right to collective bargaining by public employees is under unprecedented attack across the land. McKinney’s address was followed by a respectful moment of silence for Dr. King.

A statement by his son, Martin Luther King III, was read, saying in part:

“Countless stories of the working poor today are about people making impossible choices: food or rent, clothing or electricity. When we pause over those stories, and understand their painful significance, we grasp something fundamental about a country as wealthy as ours: no working person should have to settle for surviving over living. It’s that simple.”

(For the complete statement by MLK III, click here.)

Don Troccoli of the Seattle Education Association reported on the on-the-ground struggle of Wisconsin employees. His mentions of the workers’ occupation of the Madison State House brought cheers; of Gov. Scott Walker and the Indiana and Ohio Republican governors brought prolonged boos from the crowd, whose spirits soared despite the soggy weather.

Unions present included the sponsor, CWA Local 7800, as well as SEIU Local 775, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, the Amalgamated Transit Workers Union Local 587, the AFT, the Inlandboatmen’s Union, and the SEA. Most of these organizations’ presidents or representatives made brief speeches, some with real fire. Verle Jones, Washington State President of the CLUW, presented a moving tribute on the centennial of the Triangle Shirt Waist factory fire, pointing out that while much progress was made on workplace safety between the Thirties and the time of Dr. King, the nation has stood still or even regressed on these issues since 1968.

MoveOn's Sandra VenderVen addresses We Are One rally - photo © by Larry Neilson

Other progressive rock stars who spoke included Lynne Dodson, Secretary-Treasurer of the Washington State Labor Council, a sponsor of the Week of Action from 4/4 to 4/8; James Bible, President of the NAACP Seattle Branch; Sandra VanderVen, Regional Coordinator for MoveOn.org (and former Seattle MoveOn Council Chair); Rebecca Saldana for Congressman Jim McDermott; and King County Councilmember Larry Gossett. Members of the clergy who officiated included Rev. Carl Livingston of the Kingdom Christian Center, Rev. McKinney, and Rev. Monica Corsaro of Rainier Beach UMC.

The Seattle Labor Chorus singing "Which Side Are You On?" at the 4/4/11 We Are One Rally - Photo copyright © by Larry Neilson

Nor were the members of the artistic community mute in praising Dr. King and the nonviolent path to justice. Michael Lynch of the Communication Workers entertained with a moving rendition of “Lift Every Voice,” the Black national anthem, as well as “Precious Lord” and two brief orations. For this participant, the musical highlight was the rollicking performance by the Seattle Labor Chorus — a set that included “Which Side Are You On?” and “I’m Sticking With the Union.” The Labor Chorus was joined by members of the Shiloh MBC’s InshAllah Youth Choir (who had done a set earlier) for a soulful and swinging  finale, as hand-claps resounded off the concrete block retaining walls of the hillside.

The Inshallah Youth Choir singing in rally finale - photo © by Larry Neilson

CBTU members at the MLK Park We Are One Rally, 4/4/11 - photo © by Larry Neilson

While the weather led to a somewhat depressed turnout, there was plenty of fire to warm the hearts of most progressives who attended. This rally kicked off the Week of Action called by the Washington State Labor Council. Protests against the social-service budget cuts, and in favor of a fairer tax system, continue every day of the week in Olympia. For details of each day’s focus and to arrange bus passage or carpools, visit the PSARA or Labor Council websites.

— Larry Neilson

Rain clouds over the MLK Park We Are One Rally, 4/4/11 - photo © by Larry Neilson