In the early 1900’s, Clara Lemlich participated in efforts to improve wages and working conditions for her co-workers in the garment industry. Despite a number of severe beatings by goons hired by factory owners, Lemlich continued her organizing efforts. On November 22, 1909, after hours of speeches from labor representatives, mostly men, she mounted the stage at the Cooper Union and addressed the workers in Yiddish. Her words and spirit inspired 20,000 in the garment industry to go on strike, an action that lasted until February 10, 1910 and resulted in better wages and working conditions for members of the ILGWU. Ironically, and tragically, the owners of the Triangle Factory did not participate in the industry agreement.

---

RECIPIENTS

Class of 2010
M. Patricia Smith
US Department of Labor

Lillian Roberts
Executive Director of NYC’s District Council 37

Veronica Montgomery-Costa
President of DC 37

Richard D. Winsten, Esq.
Partner at Meyer, Suozzi, English and Klein

Class of 2009
Hon. Hillary R. Clinton
Barbara B. Levine, Esq.
Hon. Edward Pitts
Troy Rosasco, Esq.
Randi Weingarten