Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship Practice Exam

Mary E. Kenney was indeed the first female national organizer of the American Federation of Labor (A.F.L.). Her pioneering efforts in labor organizing during the late 19th and early 20th centuries played a significant role in advancing the inclusion of women in the labor movement. Kenney dedicated her career to advocating for workers' rights, particularly for women, who often faced discrimination and exploitation in the workforce. Through her work, she helped to establish the importance of female representation within labor unions, paving the way for future generations to continue fighting for equality and workers’ rights.

The other individuals listed made significant contributions to labor rights and women's movements, but none held the same position as Kenney. Frances Perkins, for example, was instrumental as the first female U.S. Secretary of Labor, and Clara Lemlich was known for her activism and role in the garment workers' strikes, yet neither was specifically recognized as the first national organizer for the A.F.L. This context underscores the importance of Kenney's role in labor history.