One of the earliest known instances in the U.S. of a protester brandishing a raised fist occurred in 1913, when “Big Bill” Haywood spoke to strikers during the Paterson silk strike in New Jersey. Haywood, a founding member of the union Industrial Workers of the World, preached working-class solidarity across all races and trades.
Source: The history of the raised fist, a global symbol of fighting oppression
The forceful salute is intertwined with some of the 20th century’s most tumultuous events, including conflicts with fascism.
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