The National Mining Museum in Leadville, Colorado, inducted Mary Harris “Mother” Jones into its Mining Hall of Fame on September 14. Mother Jones, born in Cork, was one of the most famous labor activists who ever lived. Her battle cry, “Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living,” truly said it all. Her powerful speeches and knack for theatrics encouraged many to form … [Read more...] about Mother Jones Inducted into the Mining Hall of Fame
Mother Jones
The Irish Role in the American Labor Movement
By Irish America Staff
As you celebrate Labor Day weekend, consider the contribution that the Irish have made, and continue to make to the American labor movement. Peter "P.J." McGuire the Father of Labor Day It was Peter "P.J." McGuire who first proposed a national holiday for workers. Born to Irish immigrants on the Lower East Side, New York City, in 1852, Peter became the breadwinner for his … [Read more...] about The Irish Role in the American Labor Movement
Wild Irish Women: Mother Jones
Irish-born American labor leader Mother Jones was once known as the "most dangerous woman in America." The editors of the socially-conscious magazine Mother Jones, explaining the woman Mother Jones to their readers, write: “She was a badass who fought for the underdog, battled child labor, and was sometimes referred to as ‘the most dangerous woman in America.’” She was also a … [Read more...] about Wild Irish Women: Mother Jones
The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Labor Leaders
By Irish America Staff
November 1999
Mary Harris "Mother" JonesMiners' Angel "Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living." Mother Jones was one of America's most effective union organizers. At a time when few women were activists, she was a fearless crusader for the rights of American workers and became the champion of child laborers. But most of all, she was the "miner's angel" often risking arrest and … [Read more...] about The Greatest Irish Americans of the Century: Labor Leaders