UWSP Libraries

Book Review: Hammer and Hoe by Robin D.G. Kelley HX91.A2 K45 1990 By Shane Olsen Robin D.G. Kelley’s Hammer and Hoe is a detailed account of the African American-led labor movement in Alabama during the Great Depression. Far from the typical labor history that centers on northern factories and white-led unions, Kelley uncovers the courageous fight of Black workers who battled not only economic exploitation but also Jim Crow laws, coercive landlords, and the constant threat of white supremacist violence. The struggles of African American workers in the South are too often forgotten in common historical accounts of the American labor movement, and Kelley’s book demonstrates that these workers have always been a key part of the labor movement’s long fight for economic and social justice for all. What makes Hammer and Hoe so compelling is its level of detail. Kelley traces the communist-led labor movement across Alabama, from the steel factories in Birmingham to the struggles of rura...

How is AI shaping the future of learning? Hear from UWSP students as they share their research and experiences with technology in education. “Touchpoints: Future Teachers Discuss Education’s Digital Future” is your chance to ask questions, explore ideas, and be part of the discussion on what’s next for classrooms and beyond. When: Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 1 p.m. Where: CPS 329 Free admission + refreshments, but we do ask for you to register for the event here Free admission + refreshments, but we do ask for you to register for the event here  https://forms.office.com/r/3nuZu4XEnM Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with fellow students and gain new insights into the future of education.

As we honor Black History Month this February, we recognize the 2025 theme: African Americans and Labor . This theme highlights the profound impact of Black workers—whether free or unfree, skilled or unskilled, vocational or voluntary—on history, culture, and social change. From the agricultural labor of enslaved Africans to debates among Black educators on vocational training, from entrepreneurship to labor organizing, the contributions of African Americans have been transformational. At the UWSP Main Campus Library , we’re celebrating with a featured display (CCC 130) showcasing books about African Americans and labor, as well as works by Black authors, highlighting the essential roles Black workers have played throughout history. Beyond the display, we invite you to explore our e-resources , including: 📖 Black History Month Research Guide 📚 JSTOR Editors’ Picks 🎬 Films on Demand Curated Collection 📺 Kanopy Streaming Videos – BHM Collection Later this month, stay tuned for a spe...