Primo Tapia de la Cruz (1885–1926) was born into the indigenous Tarascan community of Naraja, Mexico. While working as a migrant laborer in California he studied with the Magon brothers (fathers of Mexican anarchism). He went on to become a member of the Wobblies (Industrial Workers of the World). At a sugar beet refinery in Nebraska he organized his fellow workers into a five-hundred-man union. Returning home, he battled for agrarian reform in the Zacapu Valley region. Primo led the Tarascan communities to many victories, winning back their stolen land. Ultimately he was murdered by soldiers disguised as peasants and became a martyr for the Mexican agrarian movement.
Printed at the worker-owned Stumptown Printers, Portland, OR.
This is #97 in the Celebrate People’s History Poster Series.
Christopher Cardinale is a muralist, graphic novelist, and teaching artist who collaborates with communities and organizations in New York City
creating art that addresses social justice issues.
