Labor Rights and Women's Historical Activism

Oct 18, 2024

Lost Highways from History Colorado

Lecture Overview

  • Supported by the Sturm Family Foundation and National Endowment for the Humanities.
  • Focus on storytelling and the human endeavor.

Historical Context

  • Portland 2020 Protest:
    • Women in yellow t-shirts, "Wall of Moms," protested federal agents' actions during protests.
    • Inspired by Bev Barnum’s call for mothers to protect protesters.
  • Historical Precedents:
    • Argentina's "Dirty War":
      • Las Madres and Las Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, women highlighting brutality through peaceful protests.
    • South Africa Apartheid:
      • White mothers, "Black Sash," protested against racist policies.

Mother Jones and Labor Movements

  • Mary G. Harris Jones (Mother Jones)

    • Born 1837, Cork, Ireland.
    • Became a significant labor organizer in the U.S.
    • Known for uniting immigrant workers and families during labor movements.
    • Called the "most dangerous woman in America" for her activism.

  • Colorado Coal Field Wars (1913-14):

    • Key figure during the Ludlow Massacre.
    • Advocated for miners' rights, including better working conditions, fair pay, and union recognition.

Ludlow Massacre

  • Located in Trinidad, CO, during a major labor strike.
  • Miners and families lived in tent colonies during strikes.
  • April 20, 1914:
    • Violent clash between strikers and National Guard; several women and children perished in the "Death Pit."
    • Led to nationwide attention and guerrilla warfare.

Impact and Legacy

  • The Ludlow event showed the harsh realities and injustices faced by workers.
  • Highlighted the role of women and children in labor movements.
  • Eventually led to significant labor reforms, including the Wagner Act (1935).

Continued Relevance

  • History of labor struggles remains vital for understanding current labor rights.
  • Modern parallels in new labor union movements (e.g., Amazon, Starbucks organizing efforts).

Presenter Reflections

  • Tyler Hill's last episode with Lost Highways, highlighted his contributions and future endeavors.

Credits

  • Produced by History Colorado with support from various grants.
  • Special thanks to contributors and production team.

These notes provide a compact summary of the lecture content focusing on the significant historical events, figures, and the legacy of labor rights movements influenced by Mother Jones and the Ludlow Massacre. They also reflect on the broader themes of protest, social justice, and labor rights evolution.