Labor Rights | CharlestonSkuttle

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Copyright © 2025 | First Mag

Charleston’s fight for labor rights was a powerful example of the city’s resilience. In the face of low wages, poor working conditions, and discrimination, workers stood together to demand change. One of the most iconic moments came at the Cigar Factory in the 1940s, where a majority Black and female workforce organized a major strike. During the strike, workers sang “We Shall Overcome,” a song that would later become an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement. Their courage and unity showed the strength of Charleston’s working class. Through struggle and solidarity, the city’s laborers helped shape a more just future—proving that resilience isn’t just about surviving, but standing up for what’s right.

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