EPISODE 26 -- "It's empowering and it's contagious."

In honor of this extended weekend holiday, Fried Okra presents a special Labor Day episode. We are joined by American Federation of Teachers OKC's first ever Black president, Torie Shoecraft, about the importance of solidarity among workers and what the role of the labor movement going forward. We are also joined by the Commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Labor, Leslie Osborn, who explains the unique and necessary functions of her department, like ensuring escalators and roller coasters are safe, to her evolution from a successful business owner, to lawmaker, to a state commissioner who advocates the importance of this state investing in itself. Also, stick around for a terrific performance by OEA member, and friend of the pod, Aaron Baker, of a song dedicated to the labor movement. Solidarity!