1915 Portrait of Labor Leader Elizabeth Gurley Flynn

This photograph features Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, taken on November 29, 1915, in New York City. Flynn was a prominent labor leader and activist known for her work with the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) and her advocacy for womens rights. Her dedication to social justice made her a significant figure in early 20th-century labor movements, particularly during a time when working conditions were often harsh, and workers had limited rights.

In this period, Flynn was involved in organizing strikes and campaigns to improve labor standards, including wage increases and better working conditions. She became known not just for her tenacity but also for her oratory skills, making her a powerful voice for the disenfranchised. Flynn’s activism extended to suffrage and civil rights, reflecting her belief in equality across multiple social dimensions. This photograph captures not just a moment in time but also the spirit of the labor movement and the fight for social justice that defined an era.