“Bread and Roses” was never just a slogan. Born out of the 1912 Lawrence Textile Strike, inspired by
suffragist Helen Todd and carried into history by James Oppenheim’s poem, it named a simple, radical truth: workers need bread—but we fight for roses too. Fair wages, yes. But also dignity, beauty, art, culture, and time to live a full human life.
That idea is at the heart of the Labor Heritage Foundation. LHF helps keep the roses alive—supporting labor arts, preserving labor history, and amplifying the songs, stories, and creativity that give meaning to working people’s lives. When you support Labor Heritage, you’re standing for a labor movement that demands not only survival, but joy, culture, and community.
If bread keeps us alive, roses remind us why we fight. Supporting LHF helps ensure workers don’t have to choose between the two. If you can, please click here to help. Thank you!
Chris & Elise