Lucy Parsons (1853-1942)

Lucy Parsons

 

Parsons, born Lucy Eldine Gonzalez, is believed to have been born into bondage, though much of her early life is undocumented. Many believe she was of black, Mexican and Native American origin, though she only ever acknowledged her Mexican and indigenous heritage.

Parsons and her husband, Albert, were trailblazing figures among American anarchists and in the radical labor movement. Her feminism was grounded in class issues. The staunch anti-capitalist helped organize the 1915 Chicago Hunger Strike of Chicago, in which demonstrators marched on behalf of unemployed and hungry men, women and children.  (Article)