This week, we are shining a light on one of the most influential women in 20th century America. She was the first woman to serve in a cabinet position in the US government, and her efforts to support Jewish refugees during the holocaust has carved a unique legacy in human history. So in this episode I want to find out more about her life, her work and her legacy, as I ask… who is Frances Perkins?
...
Special guest for this episode:
- Rebecca Brenner Graham, a postdoctoral research associate at Brown University, and the author of Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins’s Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany.
...
Highlights from this episode:
- In this episode, we uncover the life of Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet member in the US, and her groundbreaking achievements.
- We dive into how Perkins supported Jewish refugees during the Holocaust and made significant contributions to labor laws.
- The podcast explores Perkins' early life, her struggles for employment, and her eventual rise to prominence in American politics.
- There's a focus on the historical context of Perkins' work, shedding light on the socio-political climate of the time.
- Listeners learn about the legacy of Frances Perkins, particularly her role in shaping American labor policies during the Great Depression.
- The conversation highlights the challenges Perkins faced as a woman in a male-dominated political landscape and how she navigated those obstacles.
...
Additional Resources:
Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins's Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany by Rebecca Brenner Graham
Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938: Maximum Struggle for a Minimum Wage | U.S. Department of Labor
How the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire transformed labor laws and protected workers’ health | PBS News
Social Security History
Amazon.com: The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon
Amazon.com: Madam Secretary Frances Perkins by George Martin
The Woman Behind the New Deal: The Life and Legacy of Frances Perkins, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance,and the Minimum Wage by Kirstin Downey
Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?
What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?
What is the Civil Rights Act?
...
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Individual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
University Partners: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/partnerships
Brand Sponsors: liam@mercurypodcasts.com
Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com
Are you a University or college? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.
Mentioned in this episode:
This episode is brought to you by Fletchy's Debut EP Tha Colossal Apostle
So much of America's cultural history, specifically the African American and black experience, has been defined and shaped by music, which is why you should check out the phenomenal new EP from Fletchy. His debut record is personal and powerful. I listened from start to finish, and I'm not your typical rap fan! Listen to Tha Colossal Apostle right now.
Ad - Fletchy