Participation Type
Paper
Session Title
Session 2.01 History, Labor, and Activism
Presentation #1 Title
"No Greater Calling": The Legacy of Walter Reuther
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Walter Reuther was not only one of the greatest labor leaders but also one of the greatest humanitarians of the twentieth century. Because of his affiliation with the United Autoworkers of America in Detroit, many Americans logically assumed that he was a native of Michigan. Reuther was actually born and raised in Wheeling, West Virginia - a prototypical industrial city of northern Appalachia. Reuther's Wheeling roots and values were critical to his personality and achievements. Reuther's parents were devoted to both unionism and social justice, and they made sure that their children were equally committed. As a young man, Reuther confronted realities known to generations of Appalachian workers including intimidation for union activities, battles with management, and the lure of outmigration for economic opportunities. Reuther's guiding philosophy may be summarized by this quote: "There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow men. There is no greater contribution than to help the weak. There is no greater satisfaction than to have done it well." In keeping with the theme of this year's conference, this paper will examine examples of Reuther's legacy of activism as 'imagined possibilities' for those of us still seeking to achieve economic and social justice for all citizens.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Sandra Czernek is an Instructor of History at West Liberty University in West Liberty, West Virginia. She teaches U.S. and world history, but really loves her West Virginia and the Appalachian Region classes the best!
"No Greater Calling": The Legacy of Walter Reuther
Harris Hall 139
Walter Reuther was not only one of the greatest labor leaders but also one of the greatest humanitarians of the twentieth century. Because of his affiliation with the United Autoworkers of America in Detroit, many Americans logically assumed that he was a native of Michigan. Reuther was actually born and raised in Wheeling, West Virginia - a prototypical industrial city of northern Appalachia. Reuther's Wheeling roots and values were critical to his personality and achievements. Reuther's parents were devoted to both unionism and social justice, and they made sure that their children were equally committed. As a young man, Reuther confronted realities known to generations of Appalachian workers including intimidation for union activities, battles with management, and the lure of outmigration for economic opportunities. Reuther's guiding philosophy may be summarized by this quote: "There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow men. There is no greater contribution than to help the weak. There is no greater satisfaction than to have done it well." In keeping with the theme of this year's conference, this paper will examine examples of Reuther's legacy of activism as 'imagined possibilities' for those of us still seeking to achieve economic and social justice for all citizens.
