A Brief History of Union Square Protest

Posted on 03/22/2012 by

In light of the recent police oppression of public assembly in Union Square, we thought we’d highlight what the park was made for: people. Enjoy the images, and we’ll see you in the streets.

“As we gather together in solidarity to express a feeling of mass injustice, we must not lose sight of what brought us together. We write so that all people who feel wronged by the corporate forces of the world can know that we are your allies…..”

Labor Day, 1887.

Labor Day Parade, Union Square, New York, 1887. Photo: NYPL

 

Suffragettes, 1905.

"America's first Suffragette parade which marched up Broadway to Union Square, New York, February 1905." Photo: Library of Congress.

 

“The Workers… Fight the Wars, the Bosses Reap the Profits,” 1912.

"Socialists in Union Square, N.Y.C. Photo, 1 May 1912 - Bain Collection" Photo: Library of Congress.

 

Bread or Revolution, 1913.

I.W.W. hat card reads"Bread or Revolution," 1914 April 13. Photo: Library of Congress.

May Day brings everyone together, 1913.

"May Day 1913, strikers in Union Square." Bain News Service. Photo: Library of Congress.

Anarchists, 1914.

"Anarchists, Union Square." Bain News Service. July 11, 1914. Photo: Library of Congress

Emma Goldman, “Birth control agitator,” 1916.

Emma Goldman lectures on birth control in Union Square, May 21, 1916.

 

Protesting capitalism, 1934

May Day from above

"60,000 communists gather together in New York City to protest against unemployment and capitalism," 1934. Photo: NYPL

Burning draft cards, 1965.

"Anti-Vietnam War protesters burn their draft cards in Union Square on November 15, 1965." Photo: http://oldnewyork.tumblr.com/

  • Chacharoo

    The history of the workers’ struggle is very important to be taught to the new generation of fighters for true social justice.

  • http://www.facebook.com/sgeras Stephan Geras

    thank you