history
Nelson Mandela – a memory
December 6, 2013With the news that Mandela's breath finally failed him-his lungs were savaged by the tuberculosis he acquired during his 27 years of imprisonment in South Africa-two memories came to mind.
Read moreToday in labor history: Worst-ever U.S. mine disaster occurs
December 6, 20131907 was a particularly troubling year in West Virginia, during which a total of 3,242 people were killed in mining accidents.
Read more“The Book Thief”: A child looks at fascism
December 4, 2013"The Book Thief" is not a happy movie. It's narrated by Death, though he's a trifle friendlier than usually depicted.
Read moreThis Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for “Strange Fruit”
December 3, 2013I am so thankful for Abel Meeropol's brilliant creation because "Strange Fruit"'s growing power gives me hope. The pen just could be mightier than the sword after all.
Read moreToday in labor history: Abolitionist John Brown was hanged
December 2, 2013On Dec. 2, 1859, abolitionist John Brown was hanged in Charleston, Va., for his leadership of a plot to incite slave rebellion.
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