The prints of Jacob Lawrence displayed in the new exhibition History, Labor, Life, offer compelling imagery of historical struggles for freedom as well as snapshots of everyday life for blue-collar Americans. For this new film series, we take inspiration from the artist and present four films that bring into focus the issues faced by working-class people seeking to live the American dream.

Starring Sally Field in her Oscar-winning performance, Norma Rae tells the real-life story of Crystal Lee Sutton, a textile factory worker in North Carolina who fights to unionize her fellow workers due to their poor working conditions. Field’s performance electrified audiences, and the film remains one of the most iconic depictions of blue-collar struggles and triumphs.