Events - Month View

Free labor film screening! Drawn from Mother Jones‘ autobiography, letters, speeches and interviews, this film was adapted from Can‘t Scare Me, Obie Award-winning Actress Kaiulani Lee‘s one-woman play. This Labor Day weekend, watch Fight Like Hell at home.? FREE, 72-hour streaming period from midnight on Friday, August 30th through midnight on Monday Sept. 2nd. Presented by Friday‘s Labor Folklore Watch the trailer here

WAMU’s longest-running program, The Big Broadcast features a collection of radio from the golden age, the 30s, 40s, and 50s, hosted by Tony-Award winning playwright, lyricist and director Murray Horwitz, a former member of the union of professional clowns (he began his career as a clown in the Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey Circus). Each year Murray includes labor content on the Labor Day weekend edition of The Big Broadcast; this year he reports that "we‘ll be featuring two labor-related shows this year, a Dick Powell Richard Diamond, Private Detective episode, and a Freedom, U.S.A. story, starring Tyrone Power. Plus a tribute to telephone operators with a couple of shows -- so only tangentially labor-related."

Free labor film screening! Drawn from Mother Jones‘ autobiography, letters, speeches and interviews, this film was adapted from Can‘t Scare Me, Obie Award-winning Actress Kaiulani Lee‘s one-woman play. This Labor Day weekend, watch Fight Like Hell at home.? FREE, 72-hour streaming period from midnight on Friday, August 30th through midnight on Monday Sept. 2nd. Presented by Friday‘s Labor Folklore Watch the trailer here

This Labor Day, September 2, WPFW centers programming celebrating workers with The Grind: Work, Resistance and HipHop. From 9am-1pm, we’ll hear from workers about conditions, organizing, and resistance, as well as present our annual survey of labor music. 9-11 is hosted by The Labor Heritage Power Hour; 11a-1p is hosted by Building Bridges Radio. At 1pm, our Decipher collective takes over until midnight with Hip Hop reflecting the highs, lows and mid-ranges of the daily grind!

Stepping out with a theme around literacy This year, Bread & Roses are excited to continue their partnership with the Lawrence Public Library, a collaboration that began last year. Many of the current board members are educators, and literacy is deeply important to all of us. Given this is their 40th anniversary, they wanted an extra special theme, and the idea of reading and literacy felt like an easy decision to make when paired with the idea of retelling the hiSTORY of the past and recording the milestones of the present and future. Check out the 2024 Performer Lineup!

Labor Day Concert At the New Deal Café A DCLC tradition! Celebrate Labor Day and join us in singing new and old labor songs.

Our Daily Work/Our Daily Lives brown bag presentation, a cooperative project of the Michigan Traditional Arts Program and the Labor Education Program. Jeremy Milloy, History Department, Wayne State University "Superworkers in the Rat Race" revisits the cultural moment of the "workaholic" in the 1970s and 1980s. Dr. Milloy argues that American fascination with this then-novel concept reflected how people were debating, discussing, and processing larger changes in capitalism, work, and technology. Historicizing workaholism also reveals insights into women‘s experiences in professional work and the growing influence of the addiction metaphor in American culture. This event can be attended in person or online via link provided.

Author Debbie J. Goldman, in conversation with labor historian Joseph McCartin. Her new book is "Disconnected: Call Center Workers Fight for Good Jobs in the Digital Age" This event is free with first come, first serve seating. Goldman explores how call center employees and their union fought for good, humane jobs in the face of degraded working conditions and lowered wages. Goldman is the former Research Director and Telecommunications Policy Director with the Communications Workers of America. Goldman will be in conversation with Joseph McCartin. McCartin s a professor in the Department of History and the executive director of the Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor.

A weekly radio show celebrating the cultural heritage of the American worker. Hosted by Chris Garlock and Elise Bryant and produced by the Labor Heritage Foundation; broadcast on WPFW 89.3FM Podcast version available at 2p: https://yourrightsatwork.podbean.com/

Presented by Robert P. Wolensky, native of Northeastern Pennsylvania and writer of “Anthracite Labor Wars” and “Sewn in Coal Country.”

This is the story of Bayard Rustin’s critical yet unsung role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Rustin brought together civil rights leaders, unions—including leaders Walter Reuther and Cleveland Robinson—and motivated and organized the assistance of dozens of young “angelic troublemakers.” While forced into the background by dominant civil rights leaders fearing his communist background and sexuality would jeopardize public support, Rustin’s organizing skills formed one of the largest acts of non-violent protest in American history and led to the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions, this film earned lead actor Colman Domingo nominations for the Academy Award and the British Academy Film Awards. (George C. Wolfe, US 2023, 106 min., DCP) A joint effort of the Dryden Theatre and the Rochester Labor Council, the Rochester Labor Film Series presents motion pictures celebrating workers around the world.

Labor Day-themed concert! Joe Uehlein‘s concerts always include a wide and deep presentation of Americana and roots-rock music, including folk, rock’n roll, bluegrass, country, soul, and more. But his solo shows take on a more intimate feel, talking more about music, politics, and the human spirit.

LHF will be participating in the Takoma Park Folk Festival this year; look for our table in the vendor area!

A weekly radio show celebrating the cultural heritage of the American worker. Hosted by Chris Garlock and Elise Bryant and produced by the Labor Heritage Foundation; broadcast on WPFW 89.3FM Podcast version available at 2p: https://yourrightsatwork.podbean.com/

This presentation by Historian Peter Rachleff, PhD (Professor of History Emeritus, Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota) chronicles the alliance between black and white union activists that held a majority on Richmond City Council. At the peak of the Reconstruction Era following the Civil War, they put forward a vision for a new city hall that resonates to this day. The lecture will be followed by a panel discussion and facilitated small group conversation. Tickets are $25 for the lecture and breakout discussion and $10 for the lecture only. Coming Together Virginia is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on their vision of a racially healed world of thriving, equitable and just communities.

The manager of a solar panel factory in Belgium conducts a secret ballot vote among a unit of sixteen workers by which they decide to either renew or eliminate the job of their co-worker, Sandra. Each worker gets a substantial bonus if they vote to dismiss her, but lose it if they choose to re-hire her. The company bets on selfishness while Sandra has the weekend to argue her case to each of her co-workers. Can group solidarity triumph over rational self-interest embedded in capitalism? (Deux jours, une nuit, Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne, Belgium/France/Italy 2014, 95 min., DCP, French, Arabic, and English with English subtitles) A joint effort of the Dryden Theatre and the Rochester Labor Council, the Rochester Labor Film Series presents motion pictures celebrating workers around the world.

2024 BBQ concert at Al & Mo’s featuring Joe Uehlein. $20 per person. Limited space, RSVP required: email MASHEAHAN@aol.com or call Marsha 248-376-5701. Joe Uehlein‘s concerts always include a wide and deep presentation of Americana and roots-Rock music, including folk, rock’n roll, bluegrass, country, soul, and more. But his solo shows take on a more intimate feel, talking more about music, politics, and the human spirit.

When five Howard University students sat on a segregated Maryland carousel in 1960, their arrests made headlines. When the white community of labor leaders and civil servants near Glen Echo Amusement Park joined the protest, a history-making interracial demonstration was born.

Showings: September 15 - 19, 7:30pm Start. Sept. 15 is SOLD OUT

When five Howard University students sat on a segregated Maryland carousel in 1960, their arrests made headlines. When the white community of labor leaders and civil servants near Glen Echo Amusement Park joined the protest, a history-making interracial demonstration was born.

Showings: September 15 - 19, 7:30pm Start. Sept. 15 is SOLD OUT

When five Howard University students sat on a segregated Maryland carousel in 1960, their arrests made headlines. When the white community of labor leaders and civil servants near Glen Echo Amusement Park joined the protest, a history-making interracial demonstration was born.

Showings: September 15 - 19, 7:30pm Start. Sept. 15 is SOLD OUT

When five Howard University students sat on a segregated Maryland carousel in 1960, their arrests made headlines. When the white community of labor leaders and civil servants near Glen Echo Amusement Park joined the protest, a history-making interracial demonstration was born.

Showings: September 15 - 19, 7:30pm Start. Sept. 15 is SOLD OUT

A weekly radio show celebrating the cultural heritage of the American worker. Hosted by Chris Garlock and Elise Bryant and produced by the Labor Heritage Foundation; broadcast on WPFW 89.3FM Podcast version available at 2p: https://yourrightsatwork.podbean.com/

When five Howard University students sat on a segregated Maryland carousel in 1960, their arrests made headlines. When the white community of labor leaders and civil servants near Glen Echo Amusement Park joined the protest, a history-making interracial demonstration was born.

Showings: September 15 - 19, 7:30pm Start. Sept. 15 is SOLD OUT

In a desolate Texas town, manufacturing work is unnecessary and illegal, and those caught a third time will be in “big trouble.” For Diane and Fox, and other members of a small underground group, life without the production of things in a well-disciplined workplace is unthinkable. So, they furtively try to satisfy their uncontrollable need to work, ready to make anything. Given the latest advances in artificial intelligence, robotics and other labor-saving strategies, Love and Work prepares us to consider how we will want to live in management’s dream world of “lights-out manufacturing.” (Pete Ohs, US 2024, 74 min., DCP) A joint effort of the Dryden Theatre and the Rochester Labor Council, the Rochester Labor Film Series presents motion pictures celebrating workers around the world.

Carol Gay’s Family and the New Jersey State Industrial Union Council (IUC) invite you to a memorial program with music by the Solidarity Singers and remembrances from Larry Cohen, Hetty Rosenstein, Larry Hamm, Ed Zipprich, members of Carol’s family, and everyone else who wishes to speak. This gathering was originally planned as fundraiser for the IUC and attendees were required to purchase a ticket. Now that it has become a memorial for Carol, attendance is open to all without any required purchase. Nevertheless, contributions to the NJ IUC are greatly appreciated to help it continue Carol’s work. We also would like to know who and how many are planning to attend, so please go to the ticket page to register even if you are not making a donation. To read Carol‘s obituary click this link: https://shorturl.at/LdI0w See event webpage: https://radicalcarolstribute.com

Join us for an electrifying evening of community and art as we celebrate the vibrant Working Theater family, where every voice holds power. Swing by the second floor of Solas and raise a glass to celebrate 40 years of Working Theater and our incredible community before we open the stage for 10 community members to take the mic and share original poetry, spoken word, music, storytelling, and more. The evening will also feature a performance by actress and musician, Katie Horner. There‘s so much to celebrate and we hope you will join us as we get Season 40 underway! Reservations are free but required. Learn more and save your spot today.

Tuesday September 24 at 7:30 pm James: A Novel, by Percival Everett

A weekly radio show celebrating the cultural heritage of the American worker. Hosted by Chris Garlock and Elise Bryant and produced by the Labor Heritage Foundation; broadcast on WPFW 89.3FM Podcast version available at 2p: https://yourrightsatwork.podbean.com/

Based partly on French journalist Florence Aubenas’ best-selling 2011 non-fiction book, The Night Cleaner, a writer, Marianne, goes undercover as a ferryboat cabin cleaner to personalize and expose the brutality and indignities of the global financial crisis on the unemployed and low-wage workers whose survival relies on finding temporary hours in the absence of steady work. But, unlike Aubenas, Marianne hides her real identity from her co-workers. Is she aware of the risks of her deception? (Ouistreham, Emmanuel Carrère, French 2021, 106 min., DCP, French, English, and German with English subtitles) A joint effort of the Dryden Theatre and the Rochester Labor Council, the Rochester Labor Film Series presents motion pictures celebrating workers around the world.

Joe Uehlein‘s labor-themed concerts always include a wide and deep presentation of Americana and roots-rock music, including folk, rock’n roll, bluegrass, country, soul, and more. His solo shows take on a more intimate feel, talking more about music, politics, and the human spirit.