Robert Forrant News Today

LIKE THE waves of immigrants before them, a new report shows how much migrants contribute to Massachusetts’ economy.

It’s not clear what the war in Gaza has to do with Massachusetts teachers, but the Massachusetts Teachers Association recently decided to wade into foreign policy with a pro-Palestinian resolution that is angering some members and affiliates.

LOWELL — A team of Lowell Community Charter Public School faculty have recently published a standards-aligned lesson as a part of the 1619 Project.

We were touring Lowell with one of the park rangers when she pointed to an aging triple-decker nearby, describing it as a fine example of “an immigrant tenement house.” Charlie Gargiulo let out a laugh. “That was my house,” he said.

The Five Minute Read highlights things to do, places to go and people to know in the Greater Lowell area. Have news to share? Send it to mgilbert@lowellsun.com.

The economy is changing and manufacturing jobs are on the rise.

Strikes have been a major, sometimes perilous tactic for workers as theyve fought for better wages and working conditions.

Lowell is an immigrant city on the precipice of change By Stephanie Ebbert Globe Staff,Updated April 15, 2021, 8:05 a.m. Email to a Friend Tooch Van, a Cambodian refugee who came to the US in 1996, was among the plaintiffs who challenged the city of Lowell in a Voting Rights Act that is forcing changes in city elections this fall. Now, hes among those running for district councilor.Suzanne Krieter/Globe staff The vigil in Lowell was planned to honor the Asian victims of the shootings in Atlanta...

The previous installment of this column discussed a report by Father Patrick J. Waters on the 1919 labor dispute between textile mill workers and owners in Lawrence, MA. It outlined the context of the strike, and the positions of the strikers, mill owners, public and Catholic churches in the city. Below it continues with Father Waters observations about the mill workers living conditions, his conclusions, the result of the strike and a brief analysis. Living conditions of the strikers The repor...

The author challenges the common myth that the Bread and Roses Strike was spontaneous. The 1912 Bread and Roses Strike in Lawrence, Mass., was one of the most significant struggles in U.S. labor history due to its level of organization and collaboration across ethnic and gender lines. Thousands of largely female workers engaged in a lengthy, well-organized, and successful walkout, standing firm against an entrenched group of mill owners and their hundreds of militia and police. Workers maintain...