Thread by @WinstonSalemDSA

At our general meeting today, we decided to present and learn about some phenomenal women who have been integral to our country's rich and radical labor tradition - Please feel free to read, learn, and share. bit.ly/3we50ph

(HOMETOWN HERO) VELMA HOPKINS - organized a walk out at RJ Reynolds tobacco that led to a demonstration of over 10k workers at the door of RJ Reynolds headquarters. This led to the formation of the historic Local 22. This was an integrated union, LED BY BLACK WOMEN, in the 1940s

"I know my limitations, and I surround myself with people who I can designate to be sure it’s carried out. If you can’t do that, you’re not an organizer." #VELMAHOPKINS

Dolores Heurta co-founded the National Farm Workers Association with Caesar Chavez in 1962. Her efforts were integral in the passing of the 1975 Agricultural Relations Act which allowed collective bargaining for agricultural workers.

"The great social justice changes in our country have happened when people came together, organized, and took direct action. It is this right that sustains and nurtures our democracy today...

... The civil rights movement, the labor movement, the women's movement, and the equality movement for our LGBT brothers and sisters are all manifestations of these rights." #DOLORESHUERTA

Hattie Canty became president of the Culinary Workers Union in 1990, and was president when the Union went on the longest strike in US history, 6.5 years - fighting for better wages, and working conditions. She didn't take days off, if she wasn't working, she was on the line.

"Coming from Alabama, this seemed like the civil rights struggle….The labor movement and the civil rights movement, you cannot separate the two of them." #HATTIECANTY

We celebrate these women and all of our comrades who are organizing in communities across the world. Solidarity to our comrades in Bessemer - this time next week we may be celebrating Amazon's first UNION!

#PowerConcedesNothingWithoutADemand