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EDITOR’S NOTE: Late last week, without notice or explanation, LHF’s account was banned from X (formerly Twitter). Despite repeated inquiries, we’ve received no response. While frustrating, it’s sadly no surprise—Twitter/X is no longer the vibrant public square it once was. Under billionaire Elon Musk’s ownership, the platform has become a megaphone for toxic voices, while silencing others without warning. Like millions of others, we’ve moved on. You can now find us on Bluesky (@laborheritage.bsky.social), as well as Facebook and Instagram.
As the saying goes: Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.
- Chris
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Creative Workers, Unfair Practices: The Fight at Whiteboard Geeks
For 18 months, unionized animation artists, writers, editors, and production staff at Virginia-based Whiteboard Geeks have been negotiating their first contract. Represented by The Animation Guild (IATSE Local 839) and the Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700), the workers have pushed for fair pay, health benefits, and just cause protections. Owner Lance Johnson has refused to bargain seriously and violated labor law, prompting a one-day unfair labor practice strike on Wednesday.
Adapted from a report in the AFL-CIO Daily Brief
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DC LaborFest Returns on May Day — Win Free Passes!
The 2025 DC LaborFest celebrates the power of working people through film, music, and history all month long. Enter our daily raffle for a chance to win a pair of free passes to this year’s Labor FilmFest at AFI Silver.
Today’s winners: Nicole Gray, Dick Bissell & Erin McDermott; congratulations!
🎟️ Enter raffle here.
🎬 Full lineup & trailers: bit.ly/3xiw0Zq
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Rosie the Riveter Community Art Contest
Are you ready to reimagine an icon? Rosie the Riveter Trust invites artists of all ages and backgrounds to participate in Rosie Reimagined: Visions of the Future, a juried online art exhibition exploring Rosie’s enduring legacy. “We’re seeking creative interpretations of Rosie—past, present, and future—through painting, photography, textiles, digital art, poetry, and more. Let’s celebrate her transformation from a WWII symbol to a cultural icon of progress, empowerment, and equity!” Download the Call to Artists & Release Form Here. Deadline July 15.
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After 58 days on strike, Alamo United workers in New York City forced Sony to reverse its layoffs, reinstating all fired staff. Their victory shows what’s possible when workers unite as one fist. Read more in LeftVoice.
photo by Adam Daly
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Signs, Songs & Solidarity Hunts
This week on the Labor Heritage Power Hour: Chicago workers turn paint into protest at an Art Build for Workers Memorial Day and May Day. We preview the 25th annual DC Labor FilmFest, join a Pokémon-style May Day Scavenger Hunt in Washington State, and reveal the winner of the 2025 General Strike Song Contest. Art, film, and music—all fueling the fight for workers’ rights. Hosted by Chris Garlock and Elise Bryant.
| | | Like this newsletter? Help us spread labor art by passing it along! | | |
Sara Bareilles - Brave
Yeah, we know, we’ve run this before, but it seems more relevant now than ever:
Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave
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Rise As One – Joe Jencks
Joe -- along with SongRise – will be performing at the May 3 DC Labor Chorus Concert; click here for details and tickets.
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“I sing because the people sing with me.”
Mercedes Sosa
| | CLICK HERE for our complete labor arts calendar; look for our Labor Arts Calendar edition on Monday | | |
April 25, 1969
The Rev. Ralph David Abernathy and 100 others are arrested while picketing a Charleston, S.C. hospital in a demand for union recognition.
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Union Made: The DC Labor FilmFest Preview
This week on Labor History Today: The 25th annual DC Labor FilmFest kicks off May Day at the AFI Silver! Host Chris Garlock previews the powerful lineup of films about work and workers with AFI programmers Todd Hitchcock, Abbie Algar, Eli Prysant, and Javier Chavez — including LILLY, The Last Showgirl, and more.
Plus: On Labor History in 2:00, we remember the 1914 Ludlow Massacre. And historian Nick Juravich shares a favorite labor song celebrating the radical legacy of the National Maritime Union.
🎟️ Full festival info at laborheritage.org
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| The struggle for an 8-hour workday in the 1880s was called what? | | | | LAST WEEK’S QUIZ: On April 18, 1912, West Virginia coal miners struck and defended themselves against the National Guard. | | |
"The worker must have bread, but she must have roses, too."
Please CLICK HERE NOW to pledge your financial support to our 2025 program, which includes our annual Solidarity Forever Award, the Great Labor Arts Exchange, the DC Labor FilmFest and much more (check out our website for details!).
Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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