Welcome to GMCR’s coverage of the 60th Anniversary of the release of Salt of the Earth and the actual events that are depicted in this landmark film.
We are proud to present an interview with Rachel Valencia who, as a teenager, held the line against mining company intimidation, a corrupt legal system and ultimately government violence in the form of Grant County Sheriffs who literally assaulted her with their cars such that she was injured and might have been killed by being run over.
This was followed by her incarceration along with approximately one hundred other women in a last desperate and ultimately futile attempt by government and corporate interests to crush the Empire Mine Strike and the fortunes and futures of those workers and their families.
The events of the Empire Mine Strike and the making of Salt of the Earth are seminal elements of the history of Grant County, the development of the union movement, an understanding of the McCarthy era, the accomplishments of women in social justice and the struggle – continuing – for human rights and dignity.
Today we celebrate their bravery and conviction and invite you to join the free festivities on Saturday 15 March 2014 which include…
- 9:45 -10am
Bus Transportation for approximately 100 to EVENTS – or Carpool
Grant County Business & Conference Center / Next to Ace Hardware
- 10 -10:45am
Coffee Reception at United Steel Workers Local 9424 Union Hall (former Local 890) Hwy 180 / Bayard, NM
- 11 – 1pm
Historic site bus tour, led by docents, visiting picket, community, and film locations in the Mining District
- 1 – 3pm
United Steel Workers lunch
Program of speakers
Local 9424 Union Hall (former Local 890)
Hwy 180 / Bayard, NM
- 4 – 7pm
Music in the lobby featuring local musicians
From Women’s Auxiliary to Women of Steel / panel discussion
screening of the film / Salt of the Earth
WNMU Fine Arts Center Auditorium
Salt of the Earth 60th Anniversary / Rachel Valencia will run several times in the weeks preceding the anniversary events on 15 March. Check back for scheduled times
or listen to the complete program at your convenience via the link below…
Salt of the Earth – 60th Anniversary / Rachel Valencia
