Clara Lemlich Shavelson

Born:

March 28, 1886, Gorodok, Ukraine, Russian Empire

Died:

July 12, 1982, Los Angeles, California, USA

Nationality:

American (naturalized)

Profession(s):

Labor Activist, Suffragist, Community Organizer

Early Life and Education

• Born into a Jewish family in Ukraine.
• Immigrated to the United States in 1903.
• Worked in the garment industry shortly after arrival.
• Self-educated, acquiring a strong understanding of labor issues.

Career and Major Achievements

• Became a prominent voice against sweatshop conditions in New York City.
• Played a pivotal role in the 1909 New York shirtwaist strike, also known as the "Uprising of the 20,000." Her impassioned speech urging workers to strike is legendary.
• Organized and participated in numerous labor protests and rallies.
• Worked as a community organizer, focusing on tenant rights and affordable housing.
• Actively involved in the suffrage movement, advocating for women's right to vote.
• Devoted her life to social justice and fighting for the rights of workers and the poor. Some resources discussing 'clara lemlich shavelson biography examples' may lack detail on her later community work.

Notable Works

• Her involvement in the 1909 New York shirtwaist strike stands as her most significant contribution to labor history.
• She was a powerful speaker and organizer, although she did not publish any major written works.

Legacy and Impact

Clara Lemlich Shavelson's legacy lies in her unwavering commitment to social justice and her courageous leadership in the fight for workers' rights. She is remembered as a key figure in the labor movement and a champion for the vulnerable.

Significant Events

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