San Francisco State University’s Labor Archives and Research Center

Established in 1980, the John Sessions Memorial Award recognizes a library or library system which has made a significant effort to work with the labor community and in so doing has brought recognition to the history and contribution of the labor movement to the development of the United States. The award is co-sponsored by the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO. Among the Center’s notable contributions are the book “San Francisco Labor Landmarks Guide Book”; several online exhibits, including one entitled “Look for the Union Label: A Celebration of Union Logos and Emblems”; and a 25th anniversary celebration that included the program “Sympathetic,” which honored the experience of those who witnessed and participated in the funeral march for two workers killed during the 1934 Pacific Maritime Strike.

”We selected the Center for its efforts to educate the community on the accomplishments of labor through its public programs, publications, exhibitions and oral history project,” said Jannie Cobb, award committee chair. “These resources and the Center's outreach efforts illustrate their commitment to preserving and highlighting the history of labor.”