| Hi John,
In 1881, 20 brave Black washerwomen in Atlanta went on strike.
Like most Black women earning a wage in Atlanta then, they were domestic workers. Some made just $4 a month doing backbreaking work washing clothes and linens for white families. They knew they deserved better.
More than 3,000 washerwomen joined them on the strike line, and a few weeks later the city backed down. The Atlanta Washerwomen won what they demanded: higher wages, safer working conditions, and more respect.
Their fight continues today. And just like they won, so will we. Share this image on Facebook to celebrate Black History Month and show what's possible when we come together >>
I make $9.50/hr. Most nights, I lie awake at night thinking about how I can stretch every dollar and whether I can afford to buy groceries or make my car payment. But I'm inspired by the Black women in Atlanta who stood up to say: we deserve better, and we're going to take it.
Back then they were told they were asking for "unreasonably high prices." Today, we're told $15/hr is too high.
Back then, they asked for safer working conditions. Today, we demand them too.
Back then, they told the city of Atlanta: "We mean business or no washing."
We mean business too. This movement is growing – with most major Democratic candidates for president supporting $15/hr and union rights.
And we will win. Standing together, we will follow in their footsteps.
Share this image on Facebook to celebrate Black History Month and say clearly: we are united, and we WILL win.
Thank you for being part of this fight.
In Solidarity,
Cierra Brown
McDonald's Employee
Durham, NC
Fight for $15
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