New Exhibition Explores Complex History of Black Labor Movement
By CONOR S. BRANDTONEONTA
Next time you’re in the greater Oneonta area, make sure to free up some time to check out the Cooperstown Graduate Program’s new exhibit, “Black Leaders in the Labor Movement,” which was unveiled on the campus of SUNY Oneonta on Wednesday, February 18.
This exciting exhibit explores the complex history of the African American Labor Movement, discussing the important work of specific individuals who led and advocated for black economic empowerment, fought against employment discrimination, and spearheaded welfare rights.
According to officials, one of the most interesting aspects of this exhibit is that it highlights the efforts of individuals who tend to be forgotten by popular history—like Thomas Oliver Jones, a leader of Memphis Sanitation workers, or Dorothy Bolden, a domestic worker unionizer and civil rights activist. Through these leaders the exhibit explores the interesting and complex story of African Americans in labor.
