In 1973, Crystal Lee Sutton was working at a textile factory in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. She was done with dangerous working conditions and being paid only $2.65 an hour. So, Crystal Lee Sutton stood up…literally she stood up at the factory, with a sign displaying one word: UNION.
Crystal Lee Sutton inspired workers to unionize and she inspired the 1979 film Norma Rae, in which Sally Field played Norma Rae based on Crystal Lee Sutton.
As we celebrate Labor Day, let’s honor the incredible work of Crystal Lee Sutton, a hard working woman who pushed workers rights, forward.
“Stand up for what you believe in, no matter how hard it makes life for you.”
Crystal Lee Sutton
