* Any views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.
On March 25, 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire killed 146 young immigrant workers, three-fourths were female—it was the deadliest industrial accident in the history of New York. It also spawned a host of city, state and federal laws and regulations—as well as union organizing efforts—to ensure no tragedy like that happened in the United States again.
To connect women’s history and today’s organizing campaigns, Women’s eNews is hosting a very special panel tonight at Hunter College in New York City (1st floor lobby, Hunter West Building, 68th and Lexington) beginning at 5:30 p.m. The panel will be videotaped for those who can’t make it, so watch this blog for an announcement of its availability.
The discussion includes leading scholars and activists talking about implications of the tragedy and worker rights then and now, including garment workers (still) and domestic workers.
For this event, Women’s eNews is partnering with the Women and Gender Studies Program and the Department of Romance Languages at Hunter College and the League of Women Voters of the City of New York, DC37, the largest union representing New York’s municipal employees is a sponsor, along with the Barbara Dobkin Foundation.
For more details about the fire, see the online exhibit put up by the Industrial and Labor Relations School at Cornell University. The full story and many photographs can be viewed online.
We must remember that each of us has a responsibility to help provide voices for those whose concerns are not being heard.
We must remember that our country promises "freedom for all" but sometimes the voices of those in power -- or those with money -- are heard the most loudly.
Change should not have to come via the modern day equivalent of a Triangle Factory Fire. Pick your cause (there are many), and help those whose needs are not being heard. There is power in numbers.
For a complete list of activities throughout NYC and the nation, visit Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition to learn about talks, lectures, performances, and art exhibits.
On my website, I'm celebrating Women's History Month by profiling each day a woman who accomplished great things. Visit my website for more information or to sign up to receive the profiles via e-mail:www.americacomesalive.com
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