What a night!

Labor History Night started with Sister Bev’s music and Sister’s Donna’s slide show as backgrounds to stories of our sister’s victories and earlier struggles. I came away feeling that I haven’t been doing enough in helping with worker’s rights, in particular with my sisters who are struggling now.

Black and white visuals of factory floors with sewing machines and women lined up like robotic dolls, farmworkers  hunched over harvesting for others, immigrant mothers with children with no smiles like they had when they came over to the “land of the free”, and picket lines while frozen through reflects just how far we have come. 

An emotional tribute to Soujourn Truth started us off. Half her life was in bondage and the second half as “free” woman but her freedom was not gained without much sacrifice.  What followed were other powerful woman’s voices whose lives were entrenched in a fight for respect and rights. 

I loved how the song lyrics, underground railroad, which side are you on, Bread and Roses, sticking to the union gave the voices strength as their stories were read.  The horrific line “hearing the bodies drop with a thud” gave me a sick feeling in my stomach as the story of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire in New York City was read

Simply an absolutely, empowering yet emotionally charged evening.

Thanks Sisters Bev, Donna and all of the volunteer sisters who read!

Luv and peace,

Wendy