June 7 at 6:30 pm: Photographer Richard Copley and the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers' Strike

The Walter P. Reuther Library, in collaboration with the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights, is proud to host photographer Richard L. Copley as he discusses his work and experiences during the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers’ Strike.

Memphis sanitation workers, AFSCME Local 1733, went on strike for increased wages and union recognition, but most importantly, to be treated with respect and dignity. The strike became an important chapter in the civil rights movement, attracting the support of Martin Luther King, Jr., who was visiting the striking workers when he was assassinated. Copley documented key moments during the strike, including marches, police and National Guard response, rallies, speeches, and memorials for King.

On June 7, 2018 at 6:30pm, Copley will talk about the assignment – his first - to document the strike. The event will take place at Wayne State University Law School’s Partrich Auditorium, located at 471 W. Palmer, Detroit. A selection of his photographs is also on display.