Reed Smith, leader for social justice, dies at 86
A lifelong peace and civil rights activist, he helped form the first integrated housing development in Waterbury in the 1950s.
Exonerated political prisoner, Geronimo Pratt, dies in Tanzania
Geronimo Pratt, a former leader of the Black Panther Party falsely accused, then imprisoned for 27 years, died June 3 in Tanzania.
Al Fishman, Michigan peace and justice champion, dies at 83
A Detroit City Council resolution mourning Fishman's loss called him "one of our city's finest peace, civil and human rights, and labor activists, advocates and champions."
Hundreds remember ReeAnne Halonen, 1943-2010
ReeAnne Halonen got her last wish. A Dixieland band on Nov. 14 led family and friends with trumpet and trombone blaring in a funeral procession up the street to a park two blocks from her home.
Latino civil rights pioneer Mario G. Obledo dies at 78
Mario Guerra Obledo, a son of Mexican immigrants who became a champion of civil rights and the first Latino official to head a California state agency, died Aug. 18 at age 78.
Ruth Emerson, civil rights leader
NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- Judges and lawyers, professors and educators, family and friends all spoke fondly of Ruth Calvin Emerson at the celebration of her life held at the New Haven Peoples Center on June 26.
Weathering racial storms, Lena Horne rose above
Lena Horne, an African American pioneer who fought for equality as an artist-activist, died May 9 at age 92. She is remembered as a crusader for civil rights and a symbol of black pride.
Frank Lumpkin, “Saint of Chicago,” dies at 93
Frank Lumpkin, the "Saint of Chicago" and life long fighter for worker rights, full equality and socialism, passed away March 1 at the age of 93.
Melanie Shouse, health care activist, dies at 41
ST. LOUIS -- Melanie Shouse was 37 when she first felt the lump. She couldn't believe it. But she kept up her fighting spirit, especially for health care reform.
Kenneth J. BeSaw, photojournalist and Communist
Kenneth J. BeSaw, longtime photographer for People's World, died at the end of November while recovering from back surgery.
