Talks that
Inform – Entertain – Awaken
The Fire that Ignited
Workplace Reform
Warrior for workplace reform and eventual Labor Secretary Frances Perkins tells the story of one of New York City’s infamous tragedies and its unexpected silver lining.
Audiences gain insights into
- Workplace conditions that
- Sparked the fire
- Fueled the blaze
- Hindered/prevented escape
- Rescue obstacles
- Public outrage and movement that resulted in sweeping workplace health and safety reform and a national fire–safety code
The Story Behind
Social Security
Audiences take a dive into the origin and development of Social Security. Their guide: President FDR’s Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins.
Topics include
- Overview of earlier programs for the poor and elderly
- Ham & Eggs, EPIC (End poverty in California) and other state precursors to Social Security
- Secretary Perkins’ research and proposal
- Who was helped and who as left out
- President Roosevelt signs the Social Security Act in 1935
- Program pitfalls and edits over the years