Calendar of Events

With leadership from H. L. Mitchell and Clay East, 11 white men and seven black men met in a small schoolhouse near Tyronza in July 1934 and formed a union.

Much of the union’s historic importance came from the fact that it included both black and white tenant farmers as members and leaders.  Women were also welcomed into leadership ranks.  This integration was rare at that time and place. 

The union used such means as strikes, demonstrations, and rallies to call attention to their plight.  Often, their efforts were met with intimidation and violence.  Efforts to destroy the STFU included eviction of tenants and firing farm laborers who joined.

Union leaders received many pleas for help from evicted tenants and interceded on their behalf.