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Firebrands

Justseeds created the book Firebrands: Portraits from the Americas in 2010. Here we feature information and art from the book.
C.L.R. James 1901-1989

C.L.R. James 1901-1989

March 11, 2017

I recently returned from a holiday adventure to Trinidad Tobago with some friends, including Justseeds comrade Roger Peet. Our main motivation was a handful of days scuba diving in the…

Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali

June 4, 2016

Muhammad Ali passed away yesterday at age 74. A poet boxer, Ali publicly announced his conversion to the nation of Islam the day after he won the title of heavyweight…

Honoring Comandante Ramona

Honoring Comandante Ramona

January 1, 2016

On this day in 1994, 22 years ago, the Zapatista Army for National Liberation made their cause known to the Mexican government and the world. One of the most beloved leaders of…

Rest in Power—John Trudell

Rest in Power—John Trudell

December 15, 2015

John Trudell, a poet, recording artist, actor and speaker, passed away on December 8th. Trudell (Santee Sioux) was a spokesperson for the Indians of All Tribes occupation of Alcatraz Island…

Honoring Woody Guthrie

Honoring Woody Guthrie

October 14, 2015

The iconic American folk singer, Woody Guthrie, was born on July 14th, 1912. Publicly appearing with a guitar labeled “This Machine Kills Fascists” and writing songs about class inequity which…

Honoring Elizabeth Catlett

Honoring Elizabeth Catlett

April 15, 2015

Happy Birthday to Elizabeth Catlett, who would have turned 100 today! Catlett is an inspiration to many in the Justseeds crew for her linocut print work, and her participation in the…

Honoring Geronimo

Honoring Geronimo

February 17, 2015

“I was born on the prairies where the wind blew free and there was nothing to break the light of the sun. I was born where there were no enclosures.”…

Honoring Muhammad Ali

Honoring Muhammad Ali

January 16, 2015

Muhammad Ali was born on this day in 1942 and has kicked ass ever since. A poet boxer, Ali publicly announced his conversion to the nation of Islam the day…

Honoring Zumbi dos Palmares

Honoring Zumbi dos Palmares

November 20, 2014

Dia da Consciência Negra, or Black Awareness Day, is celebrated on this day every year in Brazil. The date of the holiday was selected to honor Zumbi dos Palmares for…

Happy Birthday Paul Robeson

Happy Birthday Paul Robeson

April 9, 2014

Paul Robeson was born today, 116 years ago,in 1898. Above is the Celebrate People’s History poster in homage to him. Also belated Happy B’day to Biz Markie!

Honoring Sitting Bull

Honoring Sitting Bull

December 15, 2013

“My friends! Be strong…because me, I am nothing…” (Sitting Bull’s song, according to Cedric Good House.) Today is a great day to honor the life of Tatanaka Iyotake, popularly known…

Honoring Grace Lee Boggs

Honoring Grace Lee Boggs

June 27, 2013

“History is not the past. It is the stories that we tell about the past. How we tell these stories – triumphantly, self-critically, metaphysically, or dialectically – has a lot…

Honoring Henry Morgentaler

Honoring Henry Morgentaler

May 30, 2013

A stalwart advocate of reproductive choice, Doctor Henry Morgentaler worked as an abortion doctor and activist since the 1960’s. Despite threats, protests, attacks, shooting, firebombs, arrest and imprisonment, Morgentaler took…

Honoring John Brown

Honoring John Brown

May 9, 2012

Born on this day in 1800, John Brown is a man whom it is hard to feel neutral about. Called a terrorist by some and a martyr by others, Brown…

Honoring Túpac Amaru II

Honoring Túpac Amaru II

March 19, 2012

I’m not sure what curse words would have come out of the mouth of Túpac Amaru II, born on this day in 1742 as José Gabriel Condorcanqui Noguera, but surely…

Honoring Nina Simone

Honoring Nina Simone

February 21, 2012

Born Eunice Waymon on this day in 1933, Nina Simone has been one of my greatest heros since I bought the 1974 album It Is Finished when I was fifteen….

Honoring Marlon Riggs

Honoring Marlon Riggs

February 3, 2012

Marlon Riggs was born on this day in 1957. A political filmmaker, Riggs started exploring themes of race and sexuality in his films while attending Harvard University. As he was…

Honoring Angela Davis

Honoring Angela Davis

January 26, 2012

Today is the birthday of Angela Davis. Davis is best known for her work with the Black Panthers in the 1970’s, subsequent time on the lam, and incredible afro; she…

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