In 1999, dock workers in Charleston, South Carolina, suffered grave injustices while standing up for their hard-won rights on the job. When a Danish shipping company shifted its transportation to a nonunion firm, members of Local 1422 ILA protested and the group of just 50 workers were met by more than 600 riot police.
When the night was over, four black and one white longshoremen--subsequently known as the Charleston 5--were held for twenty-two months under house arrest on trumped-up felony charges of inciting a riot.
On the Global Waterfront--The Fight to Free the Charleston 5 tells the story of these brave heroes and their struggles.
On Wednesday, March 12, authors Suzan Erem and E. Paul Durrenberger will lead a discussion about the Charleston 5 at 5pm at UNITE HERE, 333 S. Ashland.
You'll have the opportunity to see rare video of the night that ignited a worldwide campaign, talk with the authors, buy a book, and more!
Book Launch and Reception
Wednesday, March 12
5pm-7pm
UNITE HERE
333 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago
For more information, visit www.ontheglobalwaterfront.org.