1920s Save Sugar Campaign: A Moment of Advocacy

This photograph captures a pivotal moment from the Save Sugar Campaign, a significant effort during the early 1920s aimed at addressing rising sugar prices and the impact on consumers. Key figures shown in the photo, including labor leader Samuel Gompers and activist Mrs. Antin, were integral to the campaign. Gompers, as the president of the American Federation of Labor, advocated for workers’ rights, linking labor issues to everyday needs like affordable sugar. The period saw widespread concern over sugar prices, affecting not just consumers but industries reliant on sugar, making this campaign a response to economic distress.

Taken between 1920 and 1925, the print by the Bain News Service visually documents a moment of mobilization against the backdrop of a post-World War I economy, where inflation and supply issues were at the forefront. The presence of these influential figures signifies the unions role in advocating for economic justice. This photo provides a window into the activism of the time, highlighting the intersection of labor, economics, and everyday life. It serves as a reminder of how societal issues prompted collective action and reform efforts, engaging a diverse segment of the population in activism.