Happy Labor Day!

BY CAROLYN LUCAS-ZENK, kona historical society COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

In recognition of Labor Day, Kona Historical Society is sharing this undated photo from our collections inside the Jean Greenwell Library & Archive. Donated by Betty Johnston, the photo is of Kona Inn workers on strike.

For us, this photo is more than just an image of workers banded together to powerfully advocate for better working conditions and job security. It’s an image showing the power of collaboration and to confront change, as well as helps affirm the importance of workers’ rights and the labor movement.

Labor Day has been a national holiday since 1894 when President Grover Cleveland signed the law that Congress passed designating the first Monday in September a holiday for workers. It honors the contributions and resilience of working Americans, as well as commemorates the efforts of generations of workers who fought and sacrificed – often so at great expense to themselves – for better conditions, fairer pay, influence over their work, the right to collective bargaining, a 40-hour workweek, and so much more.

Since this pandemic started, we’ve all been confronted with change and uncertainty. With heartfelt gratitude, Kona Historical Society extends its thanks to our working neighbors across the islands and nationwide who continue to provide us services, hope and resiliency in our community. We also thank our members and friends for supporting our nonprofit, uplifting us with your generosity and participation, and allowing our team to continue to our work to share Kona stories. We continue holdfast to the belief that if we keep on keeping on and all pull together, we will get through this stronger.