Resource

Life Story: Ella May Wiggins (1900–1929)

A Martyr to Striking Textile Workers

The story of a working mother, songwriter, and labor activist who was murdered for her involvement in the Gastonia Textile Strike.

Carl Reeve & textile strikers from Gastonia testify before the Senate

Carl Reeve textile strike leader (center) & textile strikers from Gastonia testify before the Senate in 1929, Gastonia, N.C., 1929. Millican Pictorial History Museum.

She died carrying The Torch of Social Justice

Ella May Wiggins, “She died carrying The Torch of Social Justice”, Martyr of The 1929 Loray Mills Strike, Gastonia, N.C., [no date]. Millican Pictorial History Museum.

Strikers rally during the 1929 Loray Mills Strike, Gastonia, N.C.

Strikers rally during the 1929 Loray Mills Strike, Gastonia, N.C., 1929. Millican Pictorial History Museum.