Jazz Opera Chronicles W-S’s Liberation Movement Through Soulful Song

In the summer of 1943, amid World War II, the United States was rife with unrest, as riots sparked across the nation due to wartime strain, urban congestion, and racial inequity. Major cities including Los Angeles, Detroit, and Harlem witnessed notable turmoil. However, Winston-Salem saw a significant yet peaceful uprising led by tobacco workers challenging the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company for union representation. The Tobacco Workers Organizing Committee (TWOC) highlighted issues related to employee pay and perilous working environments. Grassroots movements emerged despite a wartime no-strike clause. Notably, young Theodosia Simpson became a pivotal voice advocating for improved conditions and pay equity for the predominantly African American female workforce. Their five-day work stoppage ended with the establishment of the only union at Reynolds Tobacco and subsequent collective bargaining agreements. The tale of these courageous workers has been notably highlighted through the upcoming performance of “Love Songs from the Liberation Wars,” showcasing this essential yet overlooked piece of local history on June 28.