Lessons from Alabama's Coal Mines in organizing diverse groups

Daniel Letwin, an associate professor of history at Penn State University, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the history of interracial unionism in Alabama's coal mines, the dynamics of racial cooperation in the labor movement, the organizational strategies of the United Mine Workers of America and the broader implications for labor and race relations during the Jim Crow era.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Alabama's coal fields were among the few examples of interracial collaboration. Despite the Jim Crow laws, black and white miners worked side by side, driven by shared grievances such as low pay, dangerous conditions and the use of convict labor. Letwin said this environment fostered a pragmatic approach to unionism, where miners recognized the necessity of solidarity to combat the coal operators' divide-and-rule tactics. He pointed out that the racial attitudes of the time were complex, and the miners' interdependence and common struggles laid a foundation for solidarity.

The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) played a pivotal role in organizing across racial lines. Established in 1890, the UMWA's District 20 in Alabama adopted a structure that attempted to balance the pressures of segregation with the need for unity. According to Letwin, District 20 maintained a quota system for its executive board and ensured leadership roles were shared between black and white miners. While this approach did not fully challenge Jim Crow, it allowed the union to function effectively within the constraints of the era, providing a model of interracial cooperation that was rare at the time.

Letwin's research highlights the broader implications of this interracial unionism for understanding labor and race relations. The coal miners' ability to work together despite societal divisions offers valuable lessons for contemporary movements. By focusing on shared goals and mutual respect, the miners demonstrated that solidarity could transcend racial barriers, even in the most difficult environments. This historical example serves as a reminder of the potential for unity in the face of systemic oppression.

To delve deeper into the mining industry’s history of interracial organizing, listen to the full episode above.