People Before Profit Alliance, Waterford branch present a free screening of “Mother Jones: America's Most Dangerous Woman” at Greyfriars, Waterford on Saturday August 4th at 2pm

This is a new documentary about the amazing, Cork born, Labour heroine, Mary Harris Jones, known as "Mother Jones”. Mother Jones mobilized thousands of workers in struggles for justice in the early 20th century.

The documentary shows how Mother Jones' organizing career influenced the history of early 20th century United States.The film shows how Mother Jones transformed personal and political grief and rage into an effective persona that lead workers into battles that changed the course of history.

It is sure to spark discussion and reflection after the screening.

For Labour activists such as Mother Jones, Labour and civil rights such as freedom of speech and assembly were often a goal rather than a reality. The documentary evokes the terrible conditions and labour oppression that motivated her to travel across the country, mobilizing thousands to fight back.

The use of hired mercenaries and public police forces to brutalize and suppress workers’ rights was a common condition of the period. While we are taught that the U.S. has guaranteed basic freedoms, the history of this period reveals an oft-buried history of the fragile status of freedom for labour there.

The documentary includes rare photos as well as the only existing live footage of her at age "100" proclaiming she is still a radical, still awaits the day that the people will "replace this moneyed civilization," and "longs for the day when Labour will have the destination of the nation in her own hands."

The documentary was produced by Rosemary Feurer who will introduce the Waterford screening with a background talk. It was co-directed by Feurer and Laura Vazquez. Feurer is a labour historian who teaches at Northern Illinois University. She is the author of ‘Radical Unionism in the Midwest, 1900-1950’

All are welcome and encouraged to attend this enlightening event.

For more info or voice piece call 087 7664707