Sign in or create a free account to curate your search content.
This Fayette County native became a fierce advocate for coal miners' rights after witnessing the hardships they faced. Her activism was shaped by early involvement with the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) and her family's struggles during the 1902 coal strike, when they were evicted for supporting labor rights.
Blizzard played a key role during the 1912-13 Paint Creek-Cabin Creek strike, opening her land to striking miners and participating in the iconic umbrella march with Mother Jones. She also organized women to sabotage a rail line used to intimidate miners.
Known as "Ma" Blizzard, she remains a beloved figure in the UMWA for her support of miners. Her legacy endures through her son, Bill Blizzard, a prominent UMWA leader, and great-grandson, Cecil Roberts, the current UMWA president.