The UCCS All Campus Reads program recently announced two selections for the 2013-2014 academic year; “Ludlow” by Colorado poet laureate David Mason and “King Coal” by Upton Sinclair.
Both books feature the great Colorado coalfield strike and war of 1913-1914.
The selections were made by a committee headed by Christina Martinez, senior instructor, Kraemer Family Library, and members Andrea Herrera, professor, Department of Women’s and Ethnic Studies; Karin Larkin, curator, Department of Anthropology; Tracy Gonzalez-Padron, assistant professor, College of Business; Barbara Headle, senior instructor, Department of History; and Connie Staley, professor, Department of Communication.
The committee selected two books to give the faculty a choice, one that might be used more for freshmen and the other option for other classes and students. The committee also decided on fiction as the past several choices have been non-fiction.
This topic is timely as April 2014 marks the 100 year anniversary of one of most dramatic confrontations between capital and labor in U.S. History; what today is known as the Ludlow Massacre and 10-days war. This deadly event punctuated a 16 month strike organized by the United Mine Workers of America against the Rockefeller-owned Colorado Fuel and Iron Company in southern Colorado. While many people have never heard of the Ludlow Massacre, it had a profound impact on the working population of the United States. Congressional investigations into the strike and massacre sparked many labor reform laws such as an eight-hour work day and those related to child labor. The committee members believe the book selections can spark discussion on a variety of issues such as labor disputes, ethics, Colorado and U.S. history, and business practices. Martinez will assemble a library guide with links for resources and further information. The timing also allows faculty to tie the readings and their classes into a statewide effort to commemorate the upcoming anniversary.
On April 19, Gov, John Hickenlooper signed an executive order to establish a commission to help raise awareness of this important chapter in Colorado and U.S. history. The Ludlow Centennial Commemoration Commission consists of 12 members from diverse backgrounds who are charged with “rais[ing] awareness of the tragedy at Ludlow and the events surrounding it; to explore the themes that underscore the Ludlow Massacre and Colorado Coalfield War, including: economy, immigration, labor, energy, culture, geography, geology, and violence.”
A series of events are planned to explore these topics as well as the historic events. For more information on the statewide efforts please contact Larkin, [email protected] or 255-3124.
My name is Bob Reed and I am the author of a novel entitled “The Red-Winged Blackbird,” an eye-witness account of coal mining, union organizing and warfare in Southern Colorado from 1910 to 1914. I am very interested in participating in events surrounding the commemoration of the 100th-year anniversary of “the Ludlow Massacre.” I’d be interested in doing readings or workshops and, of course, selling some books. Please send any information you have on this endeavor.
Thanks you–Bob Reed