by Mohawk Valley Freedom School

In celebration of May Day, the Mohawk Valley Freedom School will screen the classic film “Matewan” (1987) at 500 Plant Street directly following the May Day rally. The film will start at 7pm. The film was written and directed by John Sayles and stars Chris Coopor, James Earl Jones, Mary McDonnell and Will Oldham.

The film chronicles the real events that surrounded the United Mine Workers of America unionization of the coal mines in 1920 in Matewan, West Virginia and covers the disagreements between and eventual solidarity of white, black and Italian immigrant workers who collectively fought gun thugs and the corrupt coal mining industry to form a union.

If you are interested in social justice, history, unions and rebellion, then this is the film for you.

Refreshments will be served!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwEMIvDEFy4