Closed Now:
Become a Member
Your Cart
Appalshop at 50
Justice in the Coalfields
Directed by Anne Lewis
Sunday, October 20, 1 pm
Free
Justice in the Coalfields demonstrates how current labor laws have crippled the collective bargaining power of unions and weighed the scales of justice against working people. This documentary follows the United Mine Workers (UMWA) strike against the Pittston Coal Company and explores the strike’s social, cultural, and economic impact on coalfield communities.
When the contract between the UMWA and Pittston expired in February 1988, Pittston terminated the medical benefits of 1,500 pensioners, widows, and disabled miners. This violation of a long-standing social contract ignited a community-wide sense of outrage. Justice in the Coalfields documents the events that followed in southwestern Virginia, the heart of the strike and a right-to-work state. 1995, U.S., digital video, 57 minutes. Recommended for 12+.
Appalshop at 50 is a year-long celebration of the non-profit organization based in Whitesburg, KY dedicated to production and presentation of the stories about Appalachia that commercial media doesn’t tell by challenging stereotypes, supporting grassroot efforts to achieve justice and equity, and celebrating cultural diversity. As part of the Speed’s celebration of the art of Kentucky, we will present work from Appalshop at one Owsley Free Sunday each month throughout 2019.