The Memphis sanitation workers' strike was a significant event in Black history that took place in 1968. The strike was triggered by the tragic deaths of two African American sanitation workers, Echol Cole and Robert Walker, who were crushed to death in a malfunctioning garbage truck.

The African American sanitation workers in Memphis were facing extremely poor working conditions, low wages, and racial discrimination. They were also not allowed to join a union, which left them with no voice to address their grievances.

In response to the deaths of Cole and Walker, around 1,300 African American sanitation workers organized a strike to demand better working conditions, higher wages, and recognition of their union, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

The strike drew national attention and support from civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who came to Memphis to support the striking workers. Tragically, Dr. King was assassinated in Memphis on April 4, 1968, while supporting the strike.

After Dr. King's assassination, the strike continued and ultimately resulted in a victory for the sanitation workers. The city of Memphis recognized the union, improved working conditions, and increased wages for the sanitation workers.

The Memphis sanitation workers' strike highlighted the systemic racial and economic injustices faced by African Americans in the workforce and solidified the connection between the civil rights movement and the labor movement. The strike remains a powerful example of collective action and the fight for racial and economic justice in Black history.