Ed Shaw (activist) facts for kids

Edward Walter Shaw (born July 13, 1923 – died November 9, 1995) was an American socialist. He was known as Ed Shaw. He was a member of the Socialist Workers Party his whole life. This party believes in a society where everyone is equal and resources are shared.

Early Life and World War II

Ed Shaw was born in Zion, Illinois, in July 1923. He grew up on a farm with his family. When he was young, he questioned the strict religious ideas around him. After high school, when World War II started, he went to the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.

In 1942, Shaw moved to New York City. There, he joined the military-run Maritime Service training school. He learned to work on ships as a fireman and waterten der in the merchant marine.

A Defining Moment in Detroit

In 1943, Shaw was on his way to start a job on a boat. He was in Detroit during a race riot. He saw a dangerous situation where a Black worker was in trouble. Shaw bravely helped this worker escape. This event changed his life forever. From that moment on, he strongly supported the fight for Black rights. He became an active part of this important movement.

During World War II, Shaw mostly sailed on ships called "liberty ships." These ships carried important supplies. In 1943, while in Murmansk, in the Soviet Union, he became very interested in socialism.

Joining the Socialist Workers Party

A few months later, Shaw met another sailor in Philadelphia. This sailor told him about the Socialist Workers Party (SWP). He learned that 18 leaders of the SWP had been put in prison. They were charged because they were against World War II. Their arrests were the first under a law called the Smith Act.

Because of this, Shaw decided to join the Socialist Workers Party. He became a member in October 1944. Later, he served in the Army during the Korean War.

Supporting the Cuban Revolution

After the Cuban Revolution in 1959, Shaw traveled to Cuba. He wanted to see what was happening there for himself. When he returned, the SWP arranged for him to speak across the country. This happened in late 1959 and 1960.

In the early 1960s, he became a leader. He was the Midwest director for the Fair Play for Cuba Committee. This group worked to support Cuba.

Running for Vice President

In 1964, Shaw was chosen as a candidate. He ran for U.S. vice-president for the Socialist Workers Party. He ran with Clifton DeBerry as the presidential candidate. Their names were on the ballot in 11 states.

Over the next ten years, Shaw took on more leadership roles. He became the SWP organization secretary in 1965. He held this job until 1968.

International Work

During the 1970s, Shaw had many important jobs. He was a leader in the world trotskyist movement. He traveled throughout Latin America. There, he worked with other revolutionaries and people who shared his ideas.

From 1972 to 1977, Shaw represented the SWP leadership. He was a delegate in the United Secretariat of the Fourth International. He also spent a lot of time in Spain.

Later Life and Retirement

In 1977, Shaw moved to Miami. He became part of the SWP branch there. He retired from his daily political work in 1982. However, he continued to follow the party's news. He also worked on projects suggested by the party leaders.

Shaw worked as a machinist for 11 years. He worked at a shop that made aircraft engines. He retired in 1992 when he was 69 years old. In October 1995, Shaw went to the hospital. He had problems with his lungs and heart. He passed away four weeks later, on November 9, at the age of 72.