Memphis APRI was founded over 50 years ago.  A group of young union activists came together during the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Strike. As in 1968 this organization is still needed and we strive to remain relevant. The objectives today are to bridge the gap between Labor and Communities of Color, registering voters, educating voters and Get Out The Vote is ongoing. Social Security, healthcare and safety net programs are under attack. The fight continues as we engage in non-partisan electoral work along with other community organizations such as the NAACP, League of Women Voters, CIVIC TN, SCVA, Memphis AFL-CIO and all other constituency groups.

 

Memphis APRI has a rich history working in solidarity with various unions such as Sanitation strike in 1968, General Electric strike in 1969, Furniture Workers strikes in the 1970’s 1980’s and 1990s, UFCW Mississippi catfish workers in 1980s and BCTGM Kellogg workers lockout and Strike 2013/2018, UAW organizing drive at Nissan and GM strike. In 2022 Memphis/West Tennessee Building Trades began a MC3 Pre-ApprenticeshipTraining Program. We have worked with Coa;lition Partner TN4ALL to ensure that the residents in the counties affected by Blue Oval City are not overlooked and receive a Community Benefits Agreement. We were plaintiffs in a Redistricting Lawsuit against the state of Tennessee and Governor Lee. Fought to end the grocery tax and to stop private school vouchers. We organized with MPAP to stop the Byhaila Pipeline.Sterilization Services of TN was closed after EPA reports of over 50 years of polluting the community where the chemicals cause a higher rate of cancer in a 3 mile radius.