Like many Midwestern factory towns, deindustrialization damaged Racine in the 1970s and 1980s. But the Wisconsin city differed from others like it in one important way: workers maintained their homegrown working-class economy and political culture. Even as labor declined across the country, Racine’s workers successfully fought for fair housing and education, held politicians accountable, and allied with racial and gender justice organizations.

Naomi R Williams traces the journeys of two local activists to highlight how people can support democracy and economic freedom in the twenty-first century. In Racine, ideas of class and race shifted but remained strong. The broad-based class politics that emerged drew on racial analysis, vigilant organizing, and agile labor leadership that organized more people. Unionized workers in turn won political power while uniting to resist conservative and corporate attacks. Charting Racine’s transition, Williams breaks down how worker solidarity persevered and presents lessons that can provide valuable guidance for today’s generation of activists.

Naomi R Williams is an assistant professor of labor studies and employment relations at Rutgers University.

Acknowledgments

Introduction: Working-Class Identity and Postwar U.S. Society

1. Building Racine’s Labor Community
2. Labor Politics and Solidarity in the 1950s
3. UAW Local 180 and the Attack on New Deal Liberalism
4. Race and Shifting Class Boundaries in Racine
5. Cross-Sector Solidarity Amid a Shifting Landscape
6. Racine’s Labor Community and Deindustrialization

Conclusion: How We Get Free

Notes

Bibliography

Index