Flint in Genesee County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
At Their Side
The Women's Emergency Brigade
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 26, 2021
1. At Their Side Marker
Workers' wives, girlfriends, and mothers supported the strikers during the Flint Sit-Down Strike. The Women's Emergency Brigade was formed after a street dance December 31, 1936 in front of the Fisher Body Plant #2, here on Chevrolet Avenue. Genora Johnson, the 23-year old wife of a strike leader at Chevrolet, led the group in picketing, staffing a first aid station, even creating a nursery to care for children while their parents protested. More than 350 women joined the brigade over the 44-day course of the strike.
You Auto Know
Because women were not allowed to participate in the strike, they formed a support organization, the Women's Emergency Brigade.
"We're the wives, we're the mothers, of our fighting union brothers, we'll fight for our kith and kin, and when we fight, we fight to win! Rah! Rah! Rah!"
A Women's Emergency Brigade cheer.
Erected by Motorcities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Labor Unions. A significant historical date for this entry is December 31, 1936.
Location. 43° 0.623′ N, 83° 42.611′ W. Marker is in Flint, Michigan, in Genesee County. Marker is on North Chevrolet Avenue near
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Flint Industry / GM Sit-Down Strike (here, next to this marker); Chevrolet Empire (here, next to this marker); Body By Fisher (here, next to this marker); Sitting For 44 Days (here, next to this marker); Charles Kettering (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Learning Leadership (approx. ¼ mile away); Michigan School for the Deaf / Superintendent's Cottage (approx. half a mile away); Birthplace of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Flint.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 26, 2021
2. At Their Side Marker
It is the marker on the left
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 26, 2021
3. At Their Side Marker
Inset photo (top left) Caption: Governor Frank Murphy sent the National Guard to Flint to keep the peace. Photo courtesy of the Sloan Museum, Flint.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 26, 2021
4. At Their Side Marker
Inset photo (top right) caption: Union members bring food for the strikers at Fisher #2 plant on Chevrolet Avenue. Photo courtesy of the Kettering University Archives, Flint.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 26, 2021
5. At Their Side Marker
Inset photo (Bottom right) caption: A member of the Women's Auxiliary sings at a rally on Chevrolet Avenue. Photo courtesy of the Kettering University Archives, Flint.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 29, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 106 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 29, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
