April 24, 2019
Ford Hunger March Historic Marker and Wayside Sign Dedication Event
WHERE: UAW Local 600, 10550 Dix Rd. in Dearborn
WHO: Congresswoman Debbie Dingell joins representatives from UAW Local 600 and the MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership to remember the Ford Hunger March in 1932, a pivotal event that led to the creation of the United Auto Workers, with the re-dedication of a historic marker and a wayside sign commemorating the event.
Speakers for the brief program will include:
1. Bernie Ricke, UAW Local 600
2. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell
3. MotorCities Executive Director Shawn Pomaville-Size
An unveiling will take place around 11:30 a.m., followed by brief media availability.
On March 7, 1932, thousands of unemployed auto workers gathered at the Fort Street Bridge in southwest Detroit with the intent of marching on the Ford Rouge Plant. Their plan was to march directly to Henry Ford and present a list of 14 demands, which included higher pay and better working conditions. When the group reached the Dearborn border, they were met by local police and a skirmish ensued with protesters throwing rocks, bottles and clumps of dirt. When they reached the Rouge Plant, they were met with more deadly force with police and Ford security firing upon the crowd. The confrontation resulted in dozens of injuries and 5 deaths. Four of the Hunger Marchers are buried in Woodmere Cemetery in southwest Detroit.