Who was a prominent figure in the Solidarity movement in Poland?

The prominent figure in the Solidarity movement in Poland was indeed Lane Kirkland, known for his support of labor rights and democracy. Solidarity, which emerged in the 1980s, was a significant social and political movement that combined labor rights with a push for democratic reforms in Poland. Kirkland was influential as an American labor leader, particularly through his role as the president of the AFL-CIO, where he advocated for international solidarity, especially during the Cold War. His active support for the Solidarity movement helped to raise awareness and garner international backing for the Polish workers' struggle against the communist regime, ultimately contributing to the movement’s successes in advocating for human and labor rights.

The other figures mentioned—John L. Lewis, George Meany, and Walter Reuther—were significant labor leaders in their own right, but they did not play a direct role in the Solidarity movement in Poland. Lewis was prominent in the U.S. labor movement much earlier, Meany was a contemporary figure with influence in American labor politics, and Reuther was known for his work with the United Auto Workers in the U.S. Hence, their connections to the Solidarity movement are not as strong or relevant as that of Lane Kirkland.