A Legacy Rooted in Coal Country

Roberts, a sixth-generation coal miner, is stepping down after 30 years at the helm of the UMWA – a tenure surpassed only by the legendary John L. Lewis, a figure widely considered one of the 20th century’s most influential labor leaders. His leadership has spanned a period of dramatic decline for the coal industry, marked by automation, shifting energy markets, and increasing environmental concerns.

Roberts’ connection to the mines runs deeper than professional experience. He was raised in Cabin Creek, West Virginia, a community steeped in labor history. His great-grandmother provided sanctuary to striking miners during the 1912 strike, and his great-uncle, Bill Blizzard, led the miners in the Battle of Blair Mountain – the largest labor uprising in U.S. history. The shadow of the mines also fell upon his family through tragedy; both of his grandfathers lost their lives in mining accidents.

But Roberts’ identity is also profoundly shaped by the religious landscape of Appalachia. Observers consistently note his powerful oratory style, often described as reminiscent of a preacher. He frequently draws parallels between the struggles of miners and biblical narratives, invoking the power of God and the teachings of Jesus. His cadence echoes the dynamic traditions of Appalachian churches, a testament to the region’s unique cultural and spiritual heritage.

“Be Like Jesus”: Faith and Labor in Appalachia

Roberts’ ability to connect with miners on a deeply personal level is evident in his impassioned speeches. At a 2015 rally in Charleston, West Virginia, opposing a “right to work” bill, he famously declared, “Be like Jesus.” He drew a direct comparison between Jesus’s expulsion of the money changers from the temple and the need to resist corporate influence in the labor movement. His rhetoric, punctuated by call-and-response exchanges – “Are you fed up?” “Fired up!” – resonated with a workforce facing economic insecurity and political headwinds.

This fusion of faith and labor activism is not new to Appalachia. For over a century, the region has been shaped by the simultaneous arrival of industrialists seeking coal and missionaries seeking moral reform. The coal industry reshaped the landscape and economy, while missionaries established churches and schools. However, these institutions often clashed, with company-owned churches frequently siding with management during labor disputes.

The churches most closely aligned with the miners themselves were often independent Baptist or Holiness congregations, led by pastors who were miners themselves. These preachers emphasized God’s solidarity with the oppressed and the need for social justice, inspiring both religious devotion and union membership. This dynamic is powerfully depicted in John Sayles’ 1987 film, “Matewan,” which portrays the conflicting roles of religion in the West Virginia coalfields.

The legacy of this intertwined history continues to shape the cultural identity of central Appalachia. The UMWA, under Roberts’ leadership, has not only fought for miners’ rights but also advocated for an equitable transition to renewable energy, recognizing the need to address the economic and environmental consequences of a coal-dependent economy. The union now represents workers in diverse sectors, including public employees, manufacturing, and healthcare, demonstrating its adaptability in a changing world.

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The UMWA also remains committed to securing pension and healthcare benefits for retired and sick miners, a fight that Roberts frames as a moral imperative. As he often says, this struggle, too, is a religious one.

What role will faith continue to play in the labor movement as it adapts to the challenges of the 21st century? And how will the legacy of coal continue to shape the cultural and economic landscape of Appalachia?

Frequently Asked Questions About Cecil Roberts and the UMWA