The history of labor in America is the story of people who dreamed of fairness in the workplace and fought tirelessly to protect the dignity of every worker. Among the greatest of these pioneers were Samuel Gompers and Frances Perkins. Their names are etched in history not only for their accomplishments but also for the inspiration they continue to provide. Their legacies still shine, reminding us that education, courage, and vision can shape the destiny of millions.
Samuel Gompers: The Voice of the Working Class
Samuel Gompers, founder of the American Federation of Labor (AFL), was one of the most influential voices for American workers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in London in 1850, he immigrated to the United States as a teenager. As a young cigar maker in New York, Gompers learned firsthand the struggles of low wages, unsafe conditions, and endless hours.
He once recalled how his fellow cigar makers pooled their meager earnings to support workers on strike in another shop. That solidarity struck him deeply. From those moments grew his conviction that the collective voice of workers was the only way to counter unchecked industrial power.
Gompers’s leadership was pragmatic rather than radical. He didn’t call for the overthrow of capitalism but sought fair wages, reasonable hours, and safer working conditions. His mantra—“more!”—was a simple yet powerful demand for better lives for working people. Thanks to his persistence, unions gained traction, and workers began to secure rights once thought impossible.
Gompers’s legacy remains a guiding light. The eight-hour workday, workplace safety standards, and the idea that workers could organize without fear of retribution can all be traced back to his tireless advocacy. His work is a reminder that progress is often built on steady, determined effort.
Frances Perkins: A Star of Reform
If Samuel Gompers gave workers their collective voice, Frances Perkins ensured that voice was heard in the halls of government. Born in 1880, Perkins studied at Mount Holyoke College, where her professors encouraged her to use education for social good. That education—and her compassion—would become the foundation of her extraordinary career.
In 1911, Perkins was visiting a friend in New York City when the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire broke out. She watched in horror as 146 workers, mostly young immigrant women, lost their lives because locked doors and inadequate fire escapes trapped them inside. That moment seared itself into her heart. “The day of the fire,” she later said, “was the day the New Deal was born.”
Perkins went on to become the first female Cabinet member in U.S. history, serving as Secretary of Labor under Franklin D. Roosevelt. She was the architect of many policies that still shape American life today, including Social Security, unemployment insurance, and laws banning child labor. She fought not only for workplace safety but also for the dignity of vulnerable populations during the Great Depression.
Her star still shines brightly in the constellation of American heroes. Every time a worker retires with Social Security benefits, every time a child is spared from factory work, Frances Perkins’s legacy is renewed.
Legacies That Still Shine
The contributions of Samuel Gompers and Frances Perkins stretch far beyond their lifetimes. Their stories highlight the power of resilience, education, and vision. Gompers’s insistence on collective bargaining laid the groundwork for modern labor unions, while Perkins’s policies continue to protect families across the nation.
Both leaders were motivated by empathy born of real experience. Gompers lived the struggles of the working class, while Perkins witnessed tragedy that demanded change. Their ability to turn hardship into hope continues to inspire activists, students, and leaders today.
Inspiration for the Present
Looking back, their lives remind us that history is not shaped by abstract ideals alone, but by individuals who dare to act. For today’s generation, their examples invite us to think: What is the cause worth fighting for? How can education be used to bring lasting change?
When we consider their enduring influence, it’s easy to think of legacies like theirs as stars in the night sky—brilliant points of light that continue to guide us long after they are gone. Just as one might name a star in honor of a loved one through International Star Registry, we might view Gompers and Perkins as stars named in the heavens of history. Their glow does not fade.
In fact, to buy a star through International Star Registry is to capture that same spirit—an act of remembrance, honor, and inspiration. Just as ISR allows families to memorialize loved ones with a star that lasts forever, the legacies of labor leaders like Gompers and Perkins serve as eternal markers of courage and commitment.
Conclusion
Samuel Gompers and Frances Perkins were not born into privilege. They rose from ordinary beginnings to extraordinary influence, proving that education, empathy, and determination can reshape society. Their legacies still shine, like stars whose light continues to guide us.
Whether through laws that protect workers or through stories that inspire students, their impact endures. As we reflect on their contributions, we are reminded that each generation has the power to carry their light forward—just as a star in the sky continues to shine long after its fire is first lit.