Today, as we reflect on the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we are reminded of all the work he did to fight for a more just world. Given the current state of our nation, I’m particularly reminded of the fact that his last advocacy campaign was supporting sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee.
“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”– Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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On January 6, armed insurrectionists attempted to take over the United States Capitol and overthrow our government. After that failed attempt, despite having just lived through a workplace shooting, several brave men and women cleaned the Capitol so that Congress could return safely. This was work no one should have to do and their sacrifice should not go unnoticed.
Thanks to the work begun by Sharon McMahon, a former government teacher, there are ways we can express gratitude to the Capitol’s custodial staff.
We invite everyone to participate in sending thank you letters to the individuals who worked to clean the Capitol that night. Letters can be sent to either the Architect of the Capitol, which employs the workers, or to the AFSCME Local 626 union, which represents them. For those interested in amplifying this work on social media, we also encourage you to share photos using the hashtag #CapitolCleanupCrew.
The addresses to the Architect of the Capitol and AFSCME local 626 are below.
Also, for those who might need a little help getting started, below is a brief sample letter. This is one small way that we can all participate in continuing King’s legacy today.
Addresses
Architect of the Capitol
US Capitol
Room SB-16
Washington, DC 20515
Email: communications@aoc.gov
AFSCME Local 626
Ford House Office Bldg
2nd St SW
Washington, DC 20024
Email: localbamma@gmail.com
Sample Letter
“Thank you for clearing the way. Thank you for allowing no one to block our constitutional process. Thank you for allowing democracy to be undeterred.”
