Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: The Atlanta Washer Woman Strike
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Dec 14, 2022 Discover the inspiring story of the 1881 Atlanta Washer Woman Strike, one of the first union movements led by African American women. These courageous washerwomen united for better wages and working conditions, forming a powerful Washing Society. Learn how their grassroots efforts and resilience challenged systemic injustices and left a lasting impact on labor rights. The hosts blend humor with history, emphasizing the importance of remembering these unsung heroines and their fight for empowerment.
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Discovering the Strike
- Josh Clark had never heard of the Atlanta Washerwomen's Strike despite living in Atlanta for over half his life.
- Chuck learned about it during a Halloween tour at Oakland Cemetery.
Atlanta's Post-Civil War Economy
- In the 1880s, Atlanta aimed to become a major Southern hub, attracting Northern businesses.
- Politicians promoted the city's cheap labor, subtly referencing post-Civil War conditions.
The Rise of Washerwomen
- Laundresses were predominantly black working women due to low pay and poor treatment.
- This occupation, though arduous, offered autonomy, appealing to formerly enslaved people.