A pioneering figure in the American Communist Party, advocating for African American civil rights and socialism, playing a significant role in shaping the party's racial policies.
Harry Haywood, a pioneering figure in the struggle for African American liberation, is best known for his tireless efforts to connect the political philosophy of the Communist Party with the pressing issues of race in the United States. As a leading figure in both the Communist Party of the United States (CPUSA) and the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU), Haywood dedicated his life to promoting African American self-determination and challenging the deeply ingrained racism of his time.
Born Haywood Hall, Jr. on February 4, 1898, in South Omaha, Nebraska, Haywood grew up in a family of former slaves who had migrated to the Midwest in search of better opportunities. After his family moved to Chicago in 1915, Haywood's experiences with racism and exploitation sparked his radicalization. During World War I, he served with the Eighth Regiment, a black United States regiment, where he witnessed firsthand the stark contradictions between the ideals of democracy and the harsh realities of racism.
In 1926, Haywood joined other African American Communists on a journey to the Soviet Union, where he studied the effects of communism on racial issues. This experience not only deepened his understanding of Marxist theory but also earned him recognition within the Communist Party. By the late 1920s, Haywood had become a leading figure in the CPUSA, eventually rising to head the party's Negro Department.
Haywood's most significant theoretical contribution was his development of the concept of "national minority" in relation to African Americans. This idea posited that African Americans constituted a distinct nation within the United States, with their own unique culture, history, and experiences. Although this concept was groundbreaking at the time, it also sparked controversy within the CPUSA, which began to stray away from advocating for African American self-determination by the late 1930s.
Haywood's literary output was marked by two seminal works: Negro Liberation (1948) and Black Bolshevik (1978), an autobiography that chronicled his life and struggles. These works not only cemented Haywood's reputation as a leading theorist on African American liberation but also provided a powerful testament to the struggles and triumphs of his generation.
Haywood's legacy extends far beyond his own lifetime. His work inspired generations of activists, scholars, and intellectuals to engage with the complexities of race and class in the United States. By challenging the dominant narratives of his time, Haywood helped pave the way for the civil rights movement, Black Power, and contemporary struggles for racial justice.
Through his unwavering commitment to African American liberation, Harry Haywood left an indelible mark on American history. His legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring struggle for racial justice and self-determination.
Born in 1898
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