The words spilled haltingly from the pulpit of Memphis' crowded Clayborn Temple A.M.E. Church: "All those in favor of ratification, stand." But the congregation's response was anything but faltering. The big Negro church rocked with happy cheers, the thud of stomping feet and the din of dancing in the aisles. "And all those opposed?" persisted T. O. Jones, the emotion-choked president of Public Works Local 1733, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. In their delighted and deliriously unanimous mood, the question was neither heard nor heeded by Memphis' 1,300 striking garbage men.
The garbage men had reason enough to rejoice....
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