Labor Experts Confer with Senators: William Green (1873-1952) (right), President of the American Federation of Labor; Senator James J. Davis (center), of Pennsylvania; and former secretary of Labor under Hoover and Coolidge; and John Llewellyn Lewis (1880-1969) (left), President of the United Mine Workers 1934

Curator: This black and white photograph, taken by United Press, is titled "Labor Experts Confer with Senators." It depicts William Green, James J. Davis, and John Llewellyn Lewis. Editor: There's such a quiet intensity here, a hushed negotiation hanging in the air. You can almost hear the low murmur of important discussions, even though it’s a still image. Curator: Absolutely. The photograph captures a pivotal moment in labor history, reflecting the complex relationships between labor leaders and politicians in shaping policy. Editor: I’m drawn to the way the light catches the papers clutched by the senator, hinting at the weight of the issues at stake, the tangible documents that shape people's lives. It also makes me wonder what they were like outside of the official photograph, you know? Curator: It certainly invites us to consider the broader historical context. Thinking about the era and the policies they were debating sheds light on power dynamics within governance. Editor: It’s a potent little image, making you think about the invisible architecture of power. Curator: It's a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles for workers' rights and representation. Editor: Leaving us to ponder the present, and how far we’ve come—or haven't.