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Elizabeth Gurley Flynn

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Elizabeth Gurley Flynn
BornAugust 7, 1890
Concord, New Hampshire, United States
DiedSeptember 5, 1964
Moscow, RSFSR, Soviet Union
NationalityStatesian
Political orientationMarxism-Leninism
Marxist feminism
Political partyCPUSA


Elizabeth Gurley Flynn (August 7, 1890 – September 5, 1964) was a Statesian labor organizer and feminist. She was a leader of the CPUSA from 1961 to 1964 and founding member of the American Civil Liberties Union.[1]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Flynn's parents were working-class Irish immigrants. She joined the IWW at the age of 15 and earned the nickname "Rebel Girl" by leading strikes.[1]

Communist activism[edit | edit source]

In 1937, Flynn joined the Communist-led anti-fascist movement. She became an officer of the CPUSA in 1950 and published the pamphlets "The Rights of Negro People," "Women's Place in the Fight for a Better World," and "The Struggle Against the Taft-Hartley Law." In 1951, Flynn and 10 other officers were charged under the 1940 Smith Act and sentenced to two years in prison. She became the first woman to lead the CPUSA's National Committee in 1961 and served until her death in 1964 on a visit to Moscow.[1]

References[edit | edit source]