Today in black history: First black quarterback inducted into NFL Hall of Fame
He won five Grey Cups, and is notable for helping to erase the prejudice within the world of sports that black quarterbacks could not succeed in professional football.
Today in labor history: Deadly chemical plant explosion in 1971
On Feb. 3, 1971 there was a major explosion at the Thiokol Chemical Plant located near Woodbine, Georgia.
Today in labor history: 13th Amendment abolishes slavery
The amendment said, "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude ... shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."
Today in Labor history: Pancho Villa escapes capture
On January 28, 1917 the United States government gave up the search for Mexican revolutionary leader Pancho Villa. What is officially known in the United States as the "Mexican Expedition" started March 14, 1916 and involved 5,000 U.S military personnel lead by Major General John J. Pershing.
Today in labor history: Rubber workers start huge sit-down strike
The sit-down tactic proved extremely effective. Workers literally sat in at their jobs and refused to leave. As a result, the company was unable to hire scab replacements.
Today in labor history: 109 coal miners die in explosion
The coal miners were underpaid Eastern Europeans who were told not to complain about their substandard and dangerous working conditons.
Today in labor history: Striking and saving lives
January 23 is, like most days, a day to remember in labor history.
Today in labor history: United Mine Workers founded
Contrary to what right-wing politicians would have us believe, labor unions have been part of the fabric of American society for a very long time.
Today in labor history: Steel workers walk off jobs in industry's largest work stoppage
On this day in 1946, some 750,000 steel workers walked off the job in the largest work stoppage in the industry.
Today in labor history: Federal employees gain right to collective bargaining
On January 17, 1962, President John Kennedy signs Executive Order 10988, recognizing the right of federal employees to bargain collectively.
