Synopsis: Learn the history behind May Day, or International Workers' Day. The holiday commemorates the 1886 Chicago workers’ strike known as the Haymarket Affair, where laborers demanded an eight-hour workday. The protest turned deadly and several activists were martyred—marking the day as a symbol of the ongoing fight for workers' rights.

Description (Rewind- Origin Date May 2016): Laura and Peter Linebaugh discuss the origins of May Day, also known as International Workers' Day, the subject of his book, "The Incomplete, True, Authentic, and Wonderful History of May Day." Linebaugh is professor emeritus at the University of Toledo, and the author of many books, including the Magna Carta Manifesto; Stop Thief, The Commons, Enclosures and Resistance. Laura also shares her F-Word commentary on the intersectional feminism of 19th Century Anarchist Lucy Parsons. 

"The changes can happen very quickly, very quickly. Thinking of James Connolly, and the Easter Rebellion, very quickly, audacity, audacity . . . that's the rule of social change." 

Guest: Peter Linebaugh, Professor Emeritus at the University of Toledo, Author

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Watch : The legacy GRITTV episode: The Incomplete and Wonderful History of May Day: Peter Linebaugh & Avi Lewis

Related Episode From the Archives: May Day Special Report: 100+ Movements Go Beyond The Moment. Watch or Listen

Books by the Guest:

The Incomplete, True, Authentic, and Wonderful History of May Day, by Peter Linebaugh. - Get the Book*

The Magna Carta Manifesto, by Peter Linebaugh - Get the Book*

Stop Thief.  The Commons, Enclosures, and Resistance, by Peter Linebaugh - Get the Book*

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