Today we are saddened to hear the news of the passing of folk singer and songwriter Pete Seeger, who was an activist with a profound impact on the labor movement.
Over the last few decades, Mr. Seeger took part in hundreds of rallys in support of various labor unions and the civil rights movement, often entertaining them with his music as well.
Mr. Seeger’s involvement with unions dates back to the time in the 1940’s when he worked with the Congress of Industrial Organizations. Aside from his participation in rallys to support labor, he has also teamed up with the likes of Woody Guthrie to record songs like “The Talking Union Blues”, which were often performed during strikes and other union events.
Through his music, Mr. Seeger believed he could bring people together to create change and solve issues. In the past, he was quoted as saying, “We have problems that still need to be solved today, like corporations running the country.” Many today believe that his songs did just that–unite people under a common cause that might not have joined together otherwise. He had a gift that was able to speak to rank and file union members, no matter what issue they were currently dealing with.
Pete Seeger will surely be missed by all those continuing to work for workers rights, but his music will always be here to remind us that when we stand together, we are strong.
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