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MINER STRIKE, 1939. A miners son holding coal salvaged from a slag pile during
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MINER STRIKE, 1939. A miners son holding coal salvaged from a slag pile during
MINER STRIKE, 1939.
A miners son holding coal salvaged from a slag pile during a coal strike in Kempton, West Virginia. Photograph by John Vachon, May 1939
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Media ID 13214947
1939 Coal Kempton Labor Movement Miner New Deal Strike Vachon West Virginia Slag Southeast Unidentified
EDITORS COMMENTS
This powerful photograph captures the resilience and determination of a young boy during the Miner Strike of 1939 in Kempton, West Virginia. In this poignant image, we see the miner's son holding a piece of salvaged coal from a slag pile, symbolizing both his family's struggle for survival and their unwavering commitment to the labor movement. Taken by renowned photographer John Vachon in May 1939 as part of the Farm Security Administration (FSA) project, this portrait encapsulates the harsh realities faced by working-class families during this tumultuous period in American history. The boy's solemn expression reflects not only his own innocence lost but also serves as a testament to the dire circumstances that forced him into adulthood prematurely. The backdrop of Southeast West Virginia adds an additional layer of significance to this photograph. Known for its rich coal reserves, this region was at the heart of America's industrial revolution and played a pivotal role in shaping labor rights movements such as strikes. This particular strike took place against the backdrop of President Roosevelt's New Deal policies aimed at improving conditions for workers across various industries. As we gaze upon this evocative image today, it serves as a reminder of how far our society has come in terms of workers' rights while also urging us to remain vigilant against any erosion or neglect towards these hard-fought achievements.
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