In the early-20th century, strikes and union battles were common in industrial centers throughout the US. But nothing compared to the class warfare of the West Virginia Mine Wars.

To celebrate the release of "Black Coal and Red Bandanas," an illustrated history from PM Press, we're exciting to host a virtual evening with author Raymond Tyler and illustrator Summer McClinton. They'll be joined by Shaun Slifer and Kenzie New-Walker of the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum!

Register for this free online event and find a copy of "Black Coal and Red Bandanas" at https://firestorm.coop/events/3342-the-west-virginia-mine-wars.html. Can't make the event but still want to listen in? Sign up and we'll send you the recording to stream at your convenience!

#WorkingClassHistory #ClassWar #CoalMiner #WestVirginia #MineWars #FeministBookstore #FirestormCoop (- L)

"There are many myths and misconceptions about the Appalachian people, born of ignorance, Hollywood sensibilities, and sensationalism. The history of our people — proud, though often tragic — is obscured both by the passage of time and the cruel efforts of men.

This absence of history often leaves a void too quickly filled with misinformation, and that misinformation — at least to the average Appalachian — feels an awful lot like justification for neglect. Neglect from the barons of modern industry, who see in the Appalachian people a labor force unfit for work. Neglect from the parties of our country, who either choose to ignore us or exploit us as the situation calls for. Neglect from the very nation to which we belong.

We are more than aware of the stereotypes..."

Tapestry In The Mountains: Diversity, Hardships, and Heroes
https://medium.com/@kidether/tapestry-in-the-mountains-diversity-hardships-and-heroes-183b1e722921

Today In Labor History March 27, 1904: The authorities kicked Mother Jones out of Colorado for “stirring-up” striking coal miners. Earlier in March, the authorities deported 60 striking miners from Colorado. In June, they arrested 22 in Telluride. For nearly 2 years, strikers, led by the Western Federation of Miners, were violently attacked by Pinkerton and Baldwin-Felts detectives. 33 strikers were killed. At least two scholars have said “There is no episode in American labor history in which violence was as systematically used by employers as in the Colorado labor war of 1903 and 1904.”