The Memphis sanitation workers' strike was a pivotal event in Black history that took place in 1968. The strike was sparked by the deaths of two African American sanitation workers, Echol Cole and Robert Walker, who were crushed to death in a malfunctioning garbage truck. The workers were seeking better working conditions, higher wages, and union recognition.

Led by the local chapter of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the strike drew national attention and support from civil rights leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. King visited Memphis to support the striking workers and to participate in a peaceful march in early April 1968.

Tragically, the strike turned violent when a group of young Black protesters began to riot, leading to clashes between the protesters and police. In the midst of this tension, Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, while in Memphis to support the striking workers.

Despite Dr. King's death, the strike continued and ultimately ended on April 16 with a victory for the workers. The city of Memphis agreed to recognize the union, increase wages, and improve working conditions for the sanitation workers.

The Memphis sanitation workers' strike demonstrated the power of collective action and the importance of solidarity in the fight for economic and racial justice. It also highlighted the intersectionality of civil rights and labor rights movements in the United States.