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She Persisted: Clara Lemlich, the Labor Leader Who Changed History

Chinua Achebe

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Published in She Persisted: Clara Lemlich Deborah Heiligman

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She Persisted: Clara Lemlich

by Deborah Heiligman

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17954 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	76 pages

Clara Lemlich, A Young Woman With Dark Hair And Eyes, Wearing A White Blouse And Black Skirt, Standing In Front Of A Crowd Of People. She Persisted: Clara Lemlich Deborah Heiligman

A Labor Leader for the Ages

Clara Lemlich was a firebrand of the labor movement, a fearless advocate for the rights of working women. Her story is one of courage, determination, and unwavering belief in the power of collective action.

She was born in 1886 in Gorodok, Ukraine, and immigrated to the United States with her family in 1903. She began working in the garment industry at the age of 14, and quickly became aware of the harsh conditions and low wages that were commonplace in the industry.

In 1909, Lemlich was elected to the executive board of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (ILGWU). She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a leading voice for the union's efforts to organize garment workers and improve their working conditions.

The Uprising of the 20,000

In 1909, Lemlich helped to organize the "Uprising of the 20,000," a massive strike of garment workers in New York City. The strike was sparked by the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which killed 146 workers, mostly young women.

Lemlich was one of the most vocal leaders of the strike, and her speeches helped to galvanize the workers and keep them united in their demands for better working conditions. The strike was ultimately successful, and it led to significant improvements in the garment industry.

A Legacy of Leadership

Clara Lemlich's legacy as a labor leader is immense. She was a pioneer in the fight for workers' rights, and her tireless efforts helped to improve the lives of countless working women.

She was a strong advocate for women's rights, and she believed that women should have the same opportunities as men. She was also a strong believer in the power of education, and she helped to establish the Clara Lemlich School of Nursing at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City.

Clara Lemlich died in 1982, but her legacy continues to inspire activists and labor leaders today. She is remembered as a fearless advocate for justice, and her story is a reminder that one person can make a difference.