INSTRUCTIONS
The existing historiography largely emphasizes the labor struggles of Jewish, Italian and other immigrant women, but my research adds a crucial layer by considering how African American women, often overlooked in this context, were impacted by or participated in these strikes. By examining the lesser-known experiences of Black women in New York City’s garment district during this time, I aim to bring attention to their contributions and challenges, which have been marginalized in most historical narratives.
In addition, I will employ a gender-focused lens to analyze how the strikes not only influenced women’s roles I the workforce but also contributed to reshaping their identities as both workers and activists. This analysis will draw on new primary sources, including firsthand accounts, letters, and union records that highlight the involvement of Black women in labor movements during this period, which previous studies have not sufficiently analyzed. By uncovering these voices, my project will offer a more inclusive understanding of the garment district strikes, contributing new insights into the labor movement’s gender and racial dynamics.