This weekend marks the 150th anniversary of R.J. Reynolds, and today marks the fitting debut of Love Songs from the LIbe...

This weekend marks the 150th anniversary of R.J. Reynolds, and today marks the fitting debut of Love Songs from the LIberations Wars, a jazz opera by Steve Jones. The work tells the story of black women workers striking at a Winston-Salem tobacco factory – struggling for fair pay, a safe work environment, and an end to segregation at the job. Their action ultimately lead to the formation of Local 22, a union which won the workers better wages and labor rights. The jazz opera’s first performance will be held tonight, Saturday, at NCMA Winston-Salem (@ncma.winstonsalem).