I Am Somebody

Overview

Madeline Anderson's groundbreaking documentary captures the intense struggle of 400 underpaid Black women during the 1969 Charleston hospital workers' strike, who fought for union recognition and better wages. Their fight led to confrontations with the National Guard and state authorities. Notable civil rights leaders like Coretta Scott King, Ralph Abernathy, and Andrew Young joined the cause, showcasing solidarity through Martin Luther King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Anderson, who actively participated in the strike, highlights the bravery of the workers and the vital support from their community, making this an essential chapter in the narratives of civil and women’s rights.