Labor Archives of Washington and the UW Libraries’ Special Collections present in partnership with Solidarity Centennial, a year-long statewide series of events commemorating the anniversary of the Seattle General Strike and the Centralia Tragedy of 1919.
The exhibit features the work of Walter Bodle and Frank Silva, highlighting a different point of view from the vantage point of individuals and groups that helped shape the city’s s ever-evolving labor history.
Silva photographed the Oakland waterfront from 1978 through 1988. His compelling images of workers document a significant period of change through the advent of globalization and containerization of cargo. Because he worked alongside the subjects in the pictures, Silva’s moving portrayals reflect a rare trust and intimacy.
Walter Bodle is a 30-year teaching veteran and founder of Youth in Focus. His portraits highlight the strength, dignity, and responsibility of union men and women throughout the greater Seattle area. His portraits offer a juxtaposition between the contributions of union workers amidst one of the most turbulent political environments for labor unions since the 1920s.

The portion of the exhibit draws on primary sources from the Labor Archives of Washington and Special Collections to commemorate two important regional labor events: The World Trade Organization Protests of 1999, and the Centralia Tragedy of 1919. Both events are documented in collections held in the University of Washington Libraries.