Reading and Writing to Celebrate America’s Labor Force
As its name implies, Labor Day is a national holiday that celebrates the American labor movement. This day only exists because of the struggles and activism of generations of people around the country. Without the larger movement, American workers would face much worse conditions and lower wages. That is what Labor Day is meant to celebrate.
Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September, which signifies the unofficial end of the summer season. This year, Labor falls on September 7. While there are still several official weeks left of summer, this is when the season winds down.
Workers form the backbone of this country. As the fall approaches, it becomes even more important to honor the legacy of the American labor movement. People can choose to celebrate this legacy in any number of ways, including by reading or writing. This article will dig into the history of Labor Day and the literary options to celebrate it this and every year.
The First Labor Day and Its Legacy
The first Labor Day was celebrated nearly 150 years ago on September 5, 1882. This was only possible through the advocacy of the Central Labor Union in New York. At the first celebration, there was a parade, other street festivities, and thousands of spectators and paraders. The organizers were inspired by the tenacity of American workers and wanted to recognize their role in building America. It took 12 years, but President Grover Cleveland officially recognized Labor Day as a national holiday in 1894.
Before this recognition, labor activists and organizers advocated to honor the spirit of the American worker. From the founding of this country, the working class helped build the infrastructure that still exists today. Future Labor Day celebrations were inspired by the first Labor Day. The parade, in particular, was a key part of the Central Labor Union’s blueprint for future Labor Day celebrations.
Literary Celebrations for Labor Day
While parade, street fairs, and barbeques may be the most prominent Labor Day celebration, that is not all. Anyone can recognize Labor Day and the larger labor movement on their own time through literature. Whether reading or writing, books can share the strength of the fight for workers’ rights.
Fiction
Within the realm of fiction books, there are infinite possibilities. Fiction is always a strong tool for imparting important messages and themes. Whatever fictional story or writing comes to mind can embrace the American worker spirit. When reading or writing about topics relevant to Labor Day, that can come from any part of the text.
The most traditional and popular types of fiction are novels, short stories, and novellas. These tell specific stories with fictional characters, plots, and dialogue. However, the themes that fictional works share can be endlessly meaningful, whether directly about workers or embracing a labor-minded mentality. Even surprising novels can promote the labor movement.
Alternatively, there are more abstract, lyrical pieces of fiction that can channel their themes. When it comes to writing about labor, these works can be effective for some people. Some topics in the labor movement can be personal or complex — lyrical writing can help express that. It comes down to individual preference for what is the best form of fiction to convey one’s inner voice.
Non-Fiction
For those looking to learn more direct factual or thought-provoking content, non-fiction is the way to go. Straightforward historical texts are the clearest way to learn about the history of Labor Day, labor movements, and related topics. The American labor movement spans centuries, so there is plenty of information to learn about it. These books can be used for personal knowledge, academic, or philosophical purposes.
Similarly, one can read or write biographies or autobiographies of specific labor leaders or important figures. This can provide context for the history or create a more intimate connection with the material. True stories of peoples’ lives can also act as inspirational guides or instructional manuals for the future.
Reading and writing are also worthwhile. This Labor Day, you can find an assortment of books about American workers and the larger labor movement. If there is nothing that compels you to read it, research and write your own book!
