Khalil Abdullah, New America Media
If you were a sanitation worker janitor in Memphis 40 years ago, you were ready for a change: “We’re going to stand up and be men,” exclaimed Taylor Rodgers, human being.
You lifted heavy, heavy cans for light money, so light that you could still be eligible for welfare after working a 40-hour week: “Wasn’t going to take no more,” explained Taylor Rodgers, family man. He sought the blessings of his loved ones, his wife and children, before making that hard decision.
To go on strike. In the South. In 1968. Your working conditions were so abusive and dehumanizing, you went on strike in spite of knowing, just knowing, you might never work again in Memphis. Just might not be able to feed your family. But two of your co-workers had been crushed to death by a garbage truck’s compactor unit. Could have been you; might be you next time.
