Tag Archives: feature: life in the mines

Life in the mines: Desegregated labor unions

Posted on February 18, 2014 by kgmatheny | Posted in: African-American History, Audio, Industrial, Interviews, Southern History | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Normally, we do a post on labor unions for labor day, but it seemed appropriate to bring up the subject for Black History Month, too. African Americans in Birmingham-area mines and industrial plants were often important leaders in efforts to … Continue reading →

Life in the mines: The UMWA in Alabama

Posted on August 29, 2012 by kgmatheny | Posted in: Industrial, Interviews | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Last year for Labor Day, we shared a link to an interview with Cleatus and Louise Burns, about their experiences working in the coal mines and living in the mining camps in the first half of the 20th century, hazards … Continue reading →

Life in the mines: why we are grateful for unions

Posted on September 1, 2011 by kgmatheny | Posted in: Industrial, Interviews | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Why do we celebrate Labor Day? Because of the major changes and protections (such as 8-hour work days) developed by labor unions in the United States. The early days of union organization were tough. Listen to Cleatus and Louise Burns … Continue reading →