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The “Labor Movie Night” series presents a free screening of “Matewan” Friday, Aug. 19, at 6 p.m. at the East Side Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbrier St., St. Paul.
Written and directed by John Sayles, “Matewan” (1987, 135 minutes, rated PG-13) draws on real-life events that took place in 1920 in the southern West Virginia community of Matewan.
The Stone Mountain Coal Company deployed private detectives to thwart a union organizing drive and divide the workers by bringing in African American and immigrant miners. Union organizers faced the challenge of uniting the diverse workforce, as well-told in the film.
Admission is free, donations welcome. Snacks, beer and soda will be available during the film.
“Labor Movie Night” is sponsored by AFSCME Local 3800, AFSCME Council 5, AFSCME Council 5 Next Wave, AFSCME Locals 34, 552, 607, 1164 and 2822, IBEW Local 292, Teamsters Local 638, UNITE HERE Local 17, East Side Freedom Library and Minneapolis Labor Review.
Reprinted from the Minneapolis Labor Review.