First Mother Jones Festival planned for May 1 in Mt. Olive, IL

[Sherman A1]

East Alton, IL – Will the Greater Madison County Federation of Labor members support the big May Day festivities coming up at the Mother Jones Museum in Mt. Olive?

They better – they have marching orders from Mother Jones herself.

Loretta Williams, the actress who has made a name for herself by portraying the Labor heroine in all her fiery glory, turned up at the Federation’s March 24 meeting in full Mother Jones regalia to draw the Federation into supporting the first Mt. Olive International Mother Jones Festival on May Day (May 1), with a range of scholars, entertainers and Labor leaders participating.

“You came from good stock – you didn’t come from good stockholders!” Williams said as Mother Jones, speaking to the Federation members. “You’ve got courage. Do you want fair wages? Do you want equality? Do you want justice? You’ve got to stand up and organize! Stand together in solidarity! Stand with our brothers and sisters! Be brave, have courage and ask for forgiveness later!”

She was met with rounds of enthusiastic applause.

https://labortribune.com/first-mother-jones-festival-planned-for-may-1-in-mt-olive-il/

[Pas-de-Calais]

1. That whole area is honeycomed with various mines

My Gparents came down from northern illinois because of a new mine opening in Benld, Ill, 3 miles from Mt Olive.
Mines were given numbers, #1, #2, #3, etc. Miners struck for better wages. Mines tried bringing in scabs. Miners said no, forcefully. Made headlines everywhere.

[Midnight Writer]

2. Thanks for posting. This is not far from me, and I will make plans to attend.

Would not have heard of it if you hadn't posted this.