workingclasshistory:

On this day, 31 December 1918 radical labour activist, lesbian, and abortion provider, Marie Equi was found guilty of sedition in the United States under a newly amended Espionage Act after, during a rally, she unfurled a large banner reading, “Prepare to die, workingmen, J.P. Morgan & Co. want preparedness for profit.”
The law “forbade criticism of the U.S. government, the constitution, the military, the flag, navy or uniform.” After the long trial Equi, a supporter of the Industrial Workers of the World union, was sent to San Quentin prison to serve a three year term (which was later commuted to a year and a half).
More info in our podcast episode 16 on women in the IWW. Available on your favourite podcast app or at https://workingclasshistory.com/2018/12/02/e16-women-in-the-early-iww/ https://www.facebook.com/workingclasshistory/photos/a.1819457841572691/2175640455954426/?type=3