Labor Omnia Vincit

Oklahoma’s motto, Labor Omnia Vincit, means “work conquers all things.” Today, many people see it as a nod to the hardworking nature of our state’s citizens. In reality, it’s a tribute to organized labor, which was a significant political force in the formation of Oklahoma’s constitution and early laws. In this episode, Trait Thompson and Dr. Bob Blackburn discuss the business and agricultural climate in the United States that led to the labor movement in Oklahoma starting in the 1880s. They also cover Oklahoma’s early political leaders such as Peter Hanraty, Charles Haskell, and Kate Barnard, who rose to power thanks to the support of labor organizations. Their guest is Bob Burke, an Oklahoma City attorney and historian who has written more historical non-fiction books than anyone else in history.