he Thibodaux Massacre is a part of local history that is not well known by many, despite being one of the bloodiest days in U.S. labor history.
The Ellender Memorial Library will host author John DeSantis to discuss this subject with his definitive book on the topic, “The Thibodaux Massacre: Racial Violence and the 1887 Sugar Cane Labor Strike.” The event will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 18 in The Brew, on the first floor of the library. The linked book is available online via access to the library and can be read before the event.
“This book talk will help students understand this particular section of our local history,” said Library Director Brandy Burbante. “Nicholls English Professor Dr. Michael Martin, who teaches a course with a module that includes The Thibodaux Massacre, will be there to help moderate the discussion.”
As a 2017 Smithsonian article states about the massacre, “On November 23, 1887, a mass shooting of African-American farm workers in Louisiana left some 60 dead. Bodies were dumped in unmarked graves while the white press cheered a victory against a fledgling black union. It was one of the bloodiest days in United States labor history…”
For more information on The Thibodaux Massacre, the library has put together a display referencing different materials available via library resources. Dr. Martin has also created a subject guide on the topic, which links to various books and articles he uses in classes, including Nicholls Library resources. This subject guide is available to the community.
11/13/2025
