Grassroots Democracy: Illinois Labor Journeys
A Road Scholar Program by Mike Matejka
When
Jul 13, 2023
1:30pm–2:30pm
Cost
Free
Illinois was critical to workers’ finding their democratic voice through labor organization. From Chicago’s Haymarket Square to southern Illinois coal mines, workers struggled to build unions, create safe work environments, and find a community voice through their united efforts.
In building these organizations workers often faced state repression and learned how to organize across ethnic, racial, and gender lines.
Workers like the Ottawa Illinois Radium Girls fearlessly stood up after their occupational exposure doomed them, helping create legislation to protect all workers. Women workers found their own voice and often built alliances with middle-class women to ensure their rights.
Left: Pullman Porters; Right: Next to the 'Radium Girls' statue, Rose Baima, who worked at Luminous Process, holds a photo of her and her co-workers during the 1940's
The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters faced discriminatory unions and built their own organization over a 12-year struggle to ensure representation.
Democracy is not just elections; it is “small d” democracy, too—workers finding their voice through organization and becoming critical community participants and workplace advocates.
Join Mike Matejka for this look at labor organizing in Illinois.
This event is Free and Open to the public. For more information, please contact Emma Marston at emarston@desplaineshistory.org.
DES PLAINES HISTORY CENTER COVID-19 POLICY
Masks and vaccines are recommended, but not required. Social distancing while seated in the audience is encouraged, space permitting. If anyone is uncomfortable or unable to attend History Center events due to COVID-19, we will record the presentation with Mike’s permission for our YouTube page so that it can be accessed from home afterward.
Learn more about Mike Matejka, this program, and how to book it here.
Host Organization
Contact
Suite 650, 125 South Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60603
312.422.5580 312.374.6787
600 Troy Road
N4, Room 207
Edwardsville, IL 62025
618.468.5580
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