Wood engraving of New Orleans port by Maynard in 1892, shortly before the strike.
On Nov. 8, 30,000 factory and dock workers staged the 1892 New Orleans general strike, demanding union recognition, closed shops, wage increases, and more.
They were joined by non-industrial laborers, such as musicians, clothing workers, clerks, utility workers, streetcar drivers, and printers.
Most importantly, African American and white workers united despite active attempts to divide the workers on racial lines.
Hidden History Tours notes:
Here, 30 years after the end of the Civil War, and with the betrayal of Reconstruction, Black and white workers had united to walk out for joint demands.
Read more, New Orleans, November 1892: One city’s heroic general strike defies racial divisions and at African American Registry.
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