We Paved the Way

We Pave the Way: Black Women and the Charleston Hospital Workers' Campaign explores the 1969 hospital workers' strike in Charleston, South Carolina, within a broader context of protest and activism.

The book highlights the crucial roles and experiences of Black women in this labor movement, demonstrating their power and resilience in the face of racial discrimination, low wages, and marginalization.

It uses extensive interviews and oral histories to amplify the voices of these women, providing a more comprehensive understanding of their struggles and contributions.

Through grassroots organizing and community leadership, the movement intersects civil rights and labor organizing, underscoring its significance in the nation's long civil rights history.

The book sheds light on the challenges these workers faced, including their experiences upon returning to work and their relationships with organizations like the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.