Dark as a Dungeon: Illinois Coal Mining in Song and Story
A Road Scholar Program by Mike Matejka & Bucky Halker
When
Apr 10, 2024
10:00am–11:00am
Cost
Free
Illinois was critical to workers’ finding their democratic voice through labor organization. From Chicago’s Haymarket Square to southern Illinois coal mines, workers struggled to build unions, create safe work environments, and find a community voice through their united efforts.
In building these organizations workers often faced state repression and learned how to organize across ethnic, racial, and gender lines. Coal miners in Illinois and the rest of the US have a long tradition of writing poetry and music related to their occupation.
Labor troubadour Bucky Halker and historian Mike Matejka will share music, poetry, and stories about coal mining, mine disasters, and union struggles in Illinois.
Left: Pullman Porters; Right: Next to the 'Radium Girls' statue, Rose Baima, who worked at Luminous Process, holds a photo of her and her co-workers during the 1940's
This event is Free and Open to the public. For more information, please contact David Cochran at davidcochran@jalc.edu.
Host Organization
Contact
Suite 650, 125 South Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60603
312.422.5580 312.374.6787
600 Troy Road
N4, Room 207
Edwardsville, IL 62025
618.468.5580
Illinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Illinois General Assembly [through the Illinois Arts Council], as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
Illinois Humanities respects the privacy of its audiences and will at no time sell or distribute personal information to any party not directly affiliated with Illinois Humanities and its programs.
Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed by speakers, program participants, or audiences do not necessarily reflect those of the NEH, Illinois Humanities, our partnering organizations, or our funders.
© Copyright 2024 Illinois Humanities