03/07/2026
We named our greeter cat Lucy after the legendary Lucy Parsons.
On this day, 7 March 1942, Lucy Parsons, Black anarchist, co-founder of the revolutionary Industrial Workers of the World union and lifelong advocate for working people, the homeless, and women, died in a house fire.
Born into slavery in Virginia to an enslaved mother, Parsons later moved to Chicago and became a famous revolutionary firebrand, working as a dressmaker and organising garment workers.
Instead of voting for politicians, Parsons advocated direct action to change the world, advising workers: "Never be deceived that the rich will allow you to vote away their wealth."
The Chicago police department described Parsons as “More dangerous than a thousand rioters”, and after her death, they confiscated all of her papers and books. She was also the widow of Haymarket martyr Albert Parsons.
Learn more about women in the IWW in episode 16 our podcast: https://workingclasshistory.com/2018/12/02/e16-women-in-the-early-iww/
03/03/2026