Remembering the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire

Remembering the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire

Why do we still need to discuss the importance of workplace safety? Let’s examine how it’s still an issue today!

the importance of workplace safety

Remembering the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire

Another March 25h is here and I’m still remembering the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. Every year I reflect on this day and think of the brave women, men and children who were not only victims on that fateful day, but were also there to lead the charge on the picket line to demand reform in the Garment Worker’s Uprising of 1909. But have we yet learned our lesson? Is this really no longer an issue? Let’s examine where we are in society today and why we still need to discuss the importance of workplace safety.

Current workplace safety statistics

I’d love to say that US workplaces are safer today than they were the time of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. However, that’s not necessarily the case. Yes, there are more safety protocols and inspections, but workplace safety is still a very valid concern.

The current death toll due to fires and explosions in the workplace is an average of 200 deaths per year. And that is not necessarily in professions expected to be working with those elements. In addition to fatalities, more than 5,000 workers are injured in fires or explosions each year. These statistics come largely from incidents on construction sites, transportation workers, factories etc.

In general, U.S. fatal workplace injuries are steadily increasing and are at their highest in years. In 2021, there were 5,190 fatal work injuries recorded, an 8.9% increase from 4,764 reported in 2020. This equates to a 3.6% fatal occupational injury rate- the highest rate since 2016!

To illustrate- that is an average of 14 workers dying per day and the equivalent of one worker dying every 101 minutes!

Child labor violations are also on the rise!

In 2015- the lowest point in data, the Wage and Hour Division found 1,012 minors employed in violation of child labor laws in the U.S.In 2022, that number more than tripled to 3,876! In addition to the numbers, the concern is investigators are finding a rising number of children working in dangerous jobs like meatpacking plants, loading docks and metal shops.

What should we do with this information?

We start by identifying and talking about it. One of the biggest issues is a lack of knowledge. We think it’s 2023, that can’t possibly still be happening. And yet, it most definitely is.

We then must examine solutions. Labor Unions were steadily declining in past decades, but since Covid that’s been changing.They are now at an all-time high in favorability ratings. “Half the workforce said they would join a union today if given the opportunity because they know that without the power of a union, workers are helpless.” Richard Trumka- President of American Federation of Labor.

With Covid, questions of who is “essential”, what safeties are protected and more have all been brought to the forefront of conversation. We need to continue having those discussions.And we need to accept that, “Support for unions is not just about wages and benefits. It’s respect, it’s dignity and it’s health and safety,” (Trumka).

We need to prioritize the importance of workplace safety.

As we continue to recover from the pandemic and return to the workplace and discuss the future, these issues of worker’s rights and safety need to come to the forefront. We need to educate others about these safety concerns and we need to channel those brave garment workers to stand up for change today!

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Remembering the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire

Black Historical Fiction Authors

Black Historical Fiction Authors

Looking for some Black historical fiction books? Here is a roundup of some fantastic Black historical fiction authors!

black historical fiction books

Black Historical Fiction Authors

I’m always looking for diverse voices in the historical fiction market. For so long it seemed to be a genre saturated with castles and royalty. Those stories are still entertaining and even important in their own way. I’m interested in the Tudors as much as the next girl. But there are so many other important stories out there! I’m loving that the market is expanding so dramatically! In the last year alone I’ve been exposed to so many new cultures and historical periods. I’m loving it! Today I want to focus on some amazing Black historical fiction authors I’ve found. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have!

Beverly Jenkins

Beverly Jenkins has made a name for herself as the “Queen of Black historical romance”. She is a recipient of the 2017 Romance Writers of America Award, the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award, and has been nominated for the NAACP Image Award in literature. She has also been featured on NPR, CBS Sunday Morning, the Wall Street Journal and People Magazine.

Since her first book, Night Song, debuted in 1994, she has been trail blazing the way in writing historical romance stories with Black and multicultural characters.

Learn more about her at her website- https://beverlyjenkins.net/ and shop her books below!

Shop Night Song!
Shop Beverly’s Other Books!
Black historical fiction authors
Black historical fiction authors

Lola Jaye

You may have seen her most recent book- The Attic Child hitting the bestseller lists and getting attention with Book of the Month etc. But before this haunting story, Jaye was already writing thought provoking historical fiction.

Wartime Sweethearts is a unique multicultural take on the popular WWII time period of historical fiction and Orphan Sisters is an immigration story as well as a deeper look at life in 1950s London.

To learn more about Lola Jaye- visit her website at https://www.lolajaye.com/ and shop her books below!

Shop The Attic Child
Shop Lola Jaye’s Other Books Here!

Dr. Vanessa Riley

Have you read Island Queen yet? This book floored me and was one of my top historical fiction reads of 2021! But before this groundbreaking true story about a former slave girl who becomes one wealthiest and powerful landowners in the West Indies, Riley had already made a name for herself in the historical fiction market.

Her work as classified as straight historical fiction as well as historical romance and historical mysteries– all taking place in Georgian, Regency and Victorian eras.

Her books have been featured in Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, Publisher’s Weekly and more!

To learn more about Dr. Vanessa Riley check out her website here- https://vanessariley.com/ and shop her books below!

Shop Island Queen
Shop Vanessa Riley’s Other Books Here!
Black historical fiction authors

Yaa Gyasi

Gyasi has become a legend in the historical fiction world. Her debut novel, Homecoming, came out in 2016 and at the tender age of 26– won her the National Book Critics Circle’s John Leonard Award, the Pen/Hemingway Award, the National Book Foundation’s 5 Under 35 honors, and the American Book Award. She also received a Vilcek Proze for Creative Promise in 2020.

To say this woman is talented is an understatement. But more importantly, she makes us think. Not only does she write about large sweeping periods in history to understand the ripple effects of events over time and generations, but she has also written and offered interviews in multiple publications about what reading in general does for us. How we read, why we read, what effect reading has on society etc.

Shop Her Famous Novel- Homecoming Here!
Shop Yaa Gyasi Books Here!

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Related posts:

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Why are libraries important?

Why are Libraries Important?

We equate libraries to books, but they offer so much more!

Why are Libraries Important?

Why Libraries Are Important

I’ve always loved libraries. Those of you who’ve read my newsletter in the past already know this about me. But today, I want to dig a bit deeper into why libraries are important and share a bit more about their history and magic.

Today would have been my grandmother’s 101st birthday. She passed away last year and I’m still missing her greatly.

My grandmother was a woman ahead of her time and a true inspiration. She worked as a librarian in one of the largest public libraries on Long Island and then volunteered in my school library after she retired.

Growing up, my grandmother creatively shared her love of the library with my sister and me. She set up a pretend library in her basement by pasting envelopes into the back of each book. We then used index cards and stamps to “check out” books, taking turns playing librarian and patron. (This was obviously long before the computerized check out systems of today lol!)

She also taught me about the history of the public library system in America. Although Ben Franklin is credited as setting up the first public library in Philadelphia in 1731- this wasn’t exactly true. You see, Ben Franklin’s library was a subscription service where patrons had to pay to belong. This obviously still kept barriers in place as to who could avail themselves of this service.

The first real tax-supported “public” library wasn’t created until 1833 in Petersborough, New Hampshire. The Petersborough library was the first of its kind, not only in the US, but in the world! A truly public library available to everyone, regardless of class? It was groundbreaking.

Today, the library continues to serve as a class equalizer, providing not only access to books, but much-needed services for the community. Public Wi-Fi, computer access, tax help, language classes and more. Most people are unaware of the far-reaching public services the library provides, but you name it and the library probably provides it in some form.

I’m attending the American Librarian Association conference in DC this weekend. I’m excited for the prospect this provides me as an author- the chance to get my book into libraries nationwide is goose bump invoking!

But, there’s also a form of honor I feel to contribute and further this community institution. Because I know it will be at the library where any child or adult, regardless of money in their pocket, might stumble across my book on a shelf and find escape in its pages. And that- is magic!

*Please help me and other authors create this magic- You can get a book into a library!

  • How to Request Your Library Purchase a Book
    • First, google the name of your library and “purchase request” or “suggest a purchase.”
      • Most libraries will have a dedicated form that you can fill out requesting a book be purchased and added to the library’s collection. Usually the page will pop right up on Google.
  • The form will usually ask for your information (including library card number), plus details about the title, including the ISBN number.
    • You can find the ISBN number for any book by googling the title of the book and “ISBN number.” 
  • Fill the form in, press submit and you’re good to go!
    • Obviously there is no guarantee your library will choose to purchase it, but my experience has been that MOST of the time they do!
  • But, it’s important that you as READERS help authors with this because most libraries have some guardrails around these purchase requests!
    • Generally you need to have a current library card to put in a
      request. 
    • Most libraries will not accept purchase requests from authors for their own books.

So, please do your part to help your favorite authors get their books into your local library! If you don’t see a book listed- put in a request! Thank you!!

To see some of Joyana’s other articles about society and books- check here!

The History of Mother's Day

Do You Know The History of Mother’s Day?

Believe it or not, Mother’s Day was not always about cards or brunch celebrations.

The History of Mother's Day

The History of Mother’s Day

Do you know the real history of Mother’s Day? It might surprise you!

We assume Mother’s Day was created as a legal holiday to honor mothers signed into effect by a President. Well, that did happen. (Thanks President Wilson!) But that was not the true origin of the holiday. The first Mother’s Day origins came much earlier and for very different reasons. Read on to learn about the true history of Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day began as a women’s movement to repair the nation after the Civil War. Two incredible women led the way: Ann Reeves Jarvis and Julia Ward Howe.

The History of Ann Reeves Jarvis

Known as “Mother Jarvis”, – Ann Reeves Jarvis was an Appalachian activist, who wanted to find ways to bridge the gaps between the two sides during the war. She created women’s brigades to help any women and children in need regardless of which side they supported. After the war, she continued bringing people together by organizing Mother’s Clubs dedicated to helping newly widowed mothers (again from both sides) better their living conditions.

The History of Julia Ward Howe

Julia Ward Howe was another formidable force during the Civil War. She was a famous poet. In addition, to penning the Battle Hymn of the Republic, she also used her writing gifts to encourage thought and pacifism. She penned a proclamation, dedicated to celebrating peace and ending the war. She believed mothers, in particular, were key to preventing future cruelties and lives lost in war. She called for an annual Mother’s Day for Peace where women could gather and further their cause. After all, every soldier has a mother.

Howe’s version of Mother’s Day was held in Boston and other locations for over 30 years. However, it fell apart during World War I.

Mother’s Day and any forms of its celebration was forgotten until Jarvis’s daughter brought it back to life. After her mother’s death in 1905, Anna Jarvis wanted to memorialize her mother and honor her legacy. She believed establishing a national day to commemorate mothers would be the perfect way to do that.

She began campaigning and lobbying national groups for support. And on May 10, 1907 she held the first Mother’s Day ceremony. The city of Philadelphia repeated the ceremony the following year and the mayor soon declared it a public holiday.

From there, appeals continued for national support and in 1914, Mother’s Day was declared a federal holiday.

Some would say we’ve lost sight of the original sentiment behind the day over the years. We’ve allowed it to get commercial and be another excuse for cards, gifts and obligation. Yes, we should most definitely pamper our mothers on this day. (Seriously guys, get that massage gift card to honor their hard work, please!)

But let’s take a moment to remember the original intent behind the day as well. The original founders recognized something sacred about the bonds of motherhood. Let’s face it, there is a lot of ugliness in the world. And it often feels we have more differences than things in common. But there is one bond that transcends all the differences in the world. Across cultures, socioeconomic status etc.,. – there is no more common bond than the bond of motherhood.

So, on this upcoming Sunday- while you toast at brunch or whatever you’re doing to celebrate, perhaps take a moment to remember that original intent to repair and further the efforts for peace. Mothers, we all want what’s best for our children. So, let’s work together and do what we can to make this world a better place for them.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Read more of Joyana’s posts about history, books and words here!