News & Updates

Editor’s Note: Happy New Year, dear readers and labor arts activists! I know there’s a lot of trepidation about what lies ahead in 2025, but I’m really looking forward to those challenges, because it’s in just such times that great labor art has always been created, and been most needed. That was really brought home to me when I saw the terrific William Gropper show at The Phillips Collection last week; you’ll find music and art from that show in today’s newsletter, and it’s up through this Sunday, so check it out if you get a chance! And it's appropriate that labor icon A. Philip Randolph has returned to a prominent spot in Union Station; his quote is more timely today than ever.

Also, if you’re looking for solidarity and inspiration, get your tickets now for our annual MLK "Gonna Take Us All" Ball, coming up on Sunday, January 19 at McGinty’s in Silver Spring. Jamie Raskin will be there, and DJ Wah-Heed will get us moving on the dance floor; don’t miss it!

Chris photo by Lisa Raye Garlock

Get ready to choose the 2025 Labor Grammy winners!

Beginning January 6, you’ll have a chance to vote for your favorite nominated song in six categories – including Best Traditional Worker Power Song, Best Folk Worker Power Song, Best Punk Worker Power Song and more --  in the 2025 Labor Grammys. “It’s all for fun and to lift up great songs about worker power, unions, and worker collective action,” says Seth Harris at Power At Work, which is organizing the awards. “Your collective choices will win the vaunted ‘Guthrie Award,’ which honors labor music pioneer Woody Guthrie.” Hear more about the awards on this week’s Labor Heritage Power Hour radio show and check out the Spotify playlist of all the nominated songs.  

The return of A. Philip Randolph

The bust of legendary labor leader A. Philip Randolph has finally returned to Union Station after a long-overdue repair and cleaning last year. Randolph’s bust now overlooks Union Station’s main hall, and his eyeglasses have been restored to his left hand after being broken off many years ago. A clear cover now protects the bust. Thanks to Saul Schniderman for keeping us updated. 

Readers Write: Seeking Replica of a Chip

“I am a mathematics teacher at UNM Taos,” writes Paul Allen. “I was fascinated to see the piece Replica of a Chip featured as labor art of the week in late July. Do you know if it is possible to purchase prints of this piece of art? It would be lovely to display this on the walls of our science building on campus.”

YES! Click here and scroll down to Marilou Schultz (Navajo/Diné) Replica of a Chip, 1994 and click on “Order this image.”

"The worker must have bread, but she must have roses, too."

Please CLICK HERE NOW to pledge your financial support to our 2024 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!).

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