The Story of Gershwin, Harlem and the Blues

Israeli pianist Astrith Baltsan performs Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, explaining the inspiration of the music in the young Gershwin's fascination with Harlem blues.

Deport the Statue

Do you think we should Deport the Statue of Liberty? Click here for YES or here for NO. Legals for the Preservation of American Culture (LPAC) says #takelibertyback and #deportthestatue NOW!

Claiming and Teaching the 1963 March on Washington

By Bill Fletcher Zinn Education Project
In reality, the demand for jobs was not a throwaway line designed to get trade union support. Instead it reflected the growing economic crisis affecting black workers.

Nickel and Dimed: Working Class Heroes

Ed Rampell Hollywood Progressive
Since the collapse of capitalism in 2008 there has been a rebirth of left-leaning theatre, and Nickel and Dimed is one of this dissident theatrical wave’s finest, most compelling dramas.

Fast Food Workers Standing Up for Themselves – And For Us

Dennis Raj, South Bay Labor Council Labor's Edge: Views from the California Labor Movement
As the economic realities of the new economy continue to affect thousands of unorganized middle and low-wage workers in America, more and more will walk out, stand up and fight. We’ll be there, to stand in solidarity.

Private Gain to a Few Trumps Public Good for the Many

Economist Robert Reich blog
All told, Wall Street’s entitlement is the biggest offered by the federal government, even though it doesn’t show up in the budget. And it’s not even a public good. It’s just private gain.

Tidbits - August 22, 2013

Portside
Reader Comments: Chelsea Manning Sentencing; Egypt; Koch Bros.; Kerry and the Mideast Peace Process; Petition to Hold Kerry Accountable; False History; Labor Unions At Another Crossroad-Exchange (Martin Morand & Bill Fletcher); Dawkins Dresses Up Bigotry; Announcement: Encore-The Blacklisting of Hope Foye - Los Angeles-Aug 24 Resources: The Unfinished Dream - The March on Washington & the Radical Legacy of Martin Luther King

How Black Unionists Organized the 1963 March for Jobs and Freedom

William P. Jones Labor Notes
A fascinating new book from historian William P. Jones puts the 1963 action in its organizing context. Every U.S. school child learns the opening words of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech, but how many are taught that the march was the brainchild of the nation's leading black labor activists--and called not only for an end to prejudice, but also for a federal jobs program, equality at work, and a boost to the minimum wage?