The Bread and Roses Hall of Fame award is given annually to the individual or institution who has made a noteworthy contribution to the history of the 1912 Bread and Roses Strike of Lawrence, Massachusetts, and its legacy for the present and the future.
It recognizes distinguished contributions from social justice and union activists who contribute to the well-being of today’s workers and immigrants of Lawrence and New England.
The award created by Hartley Pleshaw was first presented in 2006 to Carmela Teoli and accepted by her daughter, Josie Catalano.
HALL OF FAME AWARD

2023 HALL OF FAME HONOREES

Antonio & Mary Guerrero
This year’s Hall of Fame honorees are Mary and Antonio Guerrero, owners of El Taller and Cafe Azteca located at 275 Essex Street. The Guerreros represent the heart of Lawrence: Mary, a school teacher, met Antonio an incredible chef in his home of Mexico City, and they have been restaurant owners in the city since 1994. For the past 38 years, Antonio has been enriching our community with his culinary expertise and cultural contributions, beautifully manifested through his dishes. Through El Taller, the Guerreros keep the legacy of the Bread and Roses Strike alive today - not just through their carefully curated bookshelves that hold titles about labor history and the fight for social, racial, education, immigrant, and economic justice, but by creating a community space where every member of Lawrence can gather to learn from one another and break bread together. Whether it’s an open mic night, a local artists’ market, an author reading, or any of the other events hosted at El Taller, the Guerreros have created a unique and important hub of creativity and organizing (the roses), and yes, really amazing food too (the bread).
PAST AWARD WINNERS
2022
Isabel Melendez
2021
Martín Espada
2019
Katherine Paterson
2017
Bruce Watson
2016
Dexter Arnold
2015
Phyllis Tyler
2014
Robert Forrant
2013
Ignatius R.J. Piscitello
2012
Chett Briggs and Karen Lane
2011
Eartha Dengler
2010
Ralph Fasanella
2009
Angelo Rocco
2008
John Ramie
2007
Paul Cowan
2006
Carmela Teoli