We hope you’re enjoying a well-deserved labor day long weekend, everybody! But lest you forget, keep in mind what this public holiday truly is all about: a celebration in honor of the American labor movement.

The American Labor Day arose out of trade unionists’ proposal that a day be made specifically to give recognition to all those in the labor sector.

The first parade was organized in New York City by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor way back in 1882. By 1887, Oregon became the first US state to declare Labor Day as an official public holiday. Not long after, in 1894, 30 more states followed suit, finally making it an official federal holiday.

So here’s a toast to the American labor movement! In behalf of the Academy of Art University community, we thank you for all the inspiring hard work you do for this proud nation!