Entertainer Common, Danny Glover coming to Memphis for MLK
Movie star Danny Glover, entertainer Common and children of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are among the big names confirmed for commemorations next month of King’s “Mountaintop” speech.
The April 3 and 4 events were announced by the Church of God in Christ as well as the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, a labor union that represents the sanitation workers whom King came to Memphis to support in 1968.
The organizations want to launch a movement called I AM 2018 to influence the 2018 elections.
“With the goal of advancing labor and civil rights and tackling issues plaguing low-income communities nationwide, the I AM 2018 campaign will transform Memphis this April into the birthplace of a new political movement and aggressive voter education and civic engagement program to mobilize turnout for the 2018 elections and beyond,” the organizations said in a news release.
Several of the notable visitors are expected to appear at the event set for 7 p.m., April 3 at Mason Temple, 930 Mason. That’s the place where King Jr. gave his “Mountaintop” speech on April 3, 1968, the day before he was fatally shot.
Indoor seating is invitation-only, organizers wrote on a web site, though outdoor seating is available by registering at iam2018.org/event.
The following day, April 4, activists will have a rally at the AFSCME Local 1733 headquarters at 485 Beale Street and march to Mason Temple.
Some of those confirmed to attend, according to organizers: ❚ Dr. Bernice King ❚ Martin Luther King III ❚ Paul Chavez ❚ Ambassador Andrew Young ❚ COGIC Presiding Bishop Charles Blake Sr. ❚ AFSCME President Lee Saunders ❚ The Rev. Jesse Jackson ❚ The Rev. Al Sharpton
Event organizers also plan a series of hands-on workshops to train young activists in grassroots organizing techniques. Among the trainers is Randi Weingarten, a top leader with the American Federation of Teachers labor union.
For information about the workshops and other events, visit iam2018.org/ home.
These recently announced events are in addition to many other activities that commemorate the 50th anniversary of King’s assassination in Memphis.
Among the other major events is an April 4 ceremony on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, where King was fatally shot. The National Civil Rights Museum has posted a list of events at civilrightsmuseum.org/events.
Reach reporter Daniel Connolly at 529-5296, daniel.connolly@commercialappeal.com, or on Twitter at @danielconnolly.