Salt of the Earth - 60th

Welcome to GMCR’s coverage of the 60th Anniversary of the release of Salt of the Earth and the actual events that are depicted in this landmark film.

We are proud to present an interview with Rachel Valencia who, as a teenager, held the line against mining company intimidation, a corrupt legal system and ultimately government violence in the form of Grant County Sheriffs who literally assaulted her with their cars such that she was injured and might have been killed by being run over.

This was followed by her incarceration along with approximately one hundred other women in a last desperate and ultimately futile attempt by government and corporate interests to crush the Empire Mine Strike and the fortunes and futures of those workers and their families.

The events of the Empire Mine Strike and the making of Salt of the Earth are seminal elements of the history of Grant County, the development of the union movement, an understanding of the McCarthy era, the accomplishments of women in social justice and the struggle - continuing - for human rights and dignity.

Today we celebrate their bravery and conviction and invite you to join the free festivities on Saturday 15 March 2014 which include…

• 9:45 -10am
  Bus Transportation for approximately 100 to EVENTS - or Carpool
  Grant County Business & Conference Center / Next to Ace Hardware
• 10 -10:45am
  Coffee Reception at United Steel Workers Local 9424 Union Hall (former Local 890) Hwy 180 / Bayard, NM
• 11 - 1pm
  Historic site bus tour, led by docents, visiting picket, community, and film locations in the Mining District
• 1 - 3pm
  United Steel Workers lunch
  Program of speakers
  Local 9424 Union Hall (former Local 890)
  Hwy 180 / Bayard, NM
• 4 - 7pm
  Music in the lobby featuring local musicians
  From Women’s Auxiliary to Women of Steel / panel discussion
  screening of the film / Salt of the Earth
  WNMU Fine Arts Center Auditorium

Salt of the Earth 60th Anniversary / Rachel Valencia will run several times in the weeks preceding the anniversary events on 15 March. Check back for scheduled times

or listen to the complete program at your convenience via the link below…

Salt of the Earth - 60th Anniversary / Rachel Valencia

Yes, it is upon us…

The 60th Anniversary of the release of the landmark film,
Salt of the Earth which tells the story of the Empire Mine Strike.

It is difficult to separate the gravity and significance of the film itself from the actual events upon which it is based as the both events and their cinematic portrayal have unique and shared historical significance. And that both of these extraordinary things happened right here in Grant County, NM during the height of the McCarthy era is a remarkable tribute to those who rose to the occasion to fight for their human rights and dignity and who thus became an inspiration to their families, progeny, community, coworkers, and the world.

As part of GMCR’s coverage of these historic events we enjoy the opportunity of speaking with Dr Luis Quinones, a professor of history with a focus on Hispanic culture and tradition. Dr Quinones grew up in Grant County and now resides in Las Cruces after retiring from his tenure as a professor at NMSU.

Dr Quinones has been a primary organizer of the 40th and 50th Anniversary commemorations of the film as well as a journalist, community activist and musician who has embraced the Corrido as a vehicle to preserve and perpetuate the traditions and lore of Southwest Hispanic Culture. And you will hear him perform his homage to Juan Chacon - one of the strike leaders, the lead actor in Salt of the Earth and subsequently president of the mineworkers union for some two decades following their success.

Please join the festivities on Saturday 15 March 2014 which include…

• 9:45 -10am
  Bus Transportation for approximately 100 to EVENTS - or Carpool
  Grant County Business & Conference Center / Next to Ace Hardware
• 10 -10:45am
  Coffee Reception at United Steel Workers Local 9424 Union Hall (former Local 890) Hwy 180 / Bayard, NM
• 11 - 1pm
  Historic site bus tour, led by docents, visiting picket, community, and film locations in the Mining District
• 1 - 3pm
  United Steel Workers lunch
  Program of speakers
  Local 9424 Union Hall (former Local 890)
  Hwy 180 / Bayard, NM
• 4 - 7pm
  Music in the lobby featuring local musicians
  From Women’s Auxiliary to Women of Steel / panel discussion
  screening of the film / Salt of the Earth
  WNMU Fine Arts Center Auditorium

Salt of the Earth 60th Anniversary / Dr Luis Quinones was broadcast live on
Friday 7 March 2014 and will run several times in the week preceding the anniversary events on 15 March. Check back for scheduled times

• Sunday 9 March 2014 / 11am

or listen to the complete program at you convenience via the link below…

Salt of the Earth 60th Anniversary / Dr Luis Quinones