Claudia Jones Visions of a Socialist America

Activist, journalist, and visionary Claudia Jones was one of the most important advocates of Black and women’s emancipation in the twentieth century. Arguing for a socialist future based in care and community, as well as the total emancipation of working people across the world, Jones’ legacy made its indelible mark on both sides of the Atlantic.

In this ground-breaking new biography, Denise Lynn traces Jones’ remarkable life and work, beginning with her immigration to the United States and culminating in her framework for a Black radical feminism that advocated the emancipation of the most oppressed. She reveals how Jones’ radicalism was forged as a youth confronting American racism, and how her disillusionment led to a life committed to advocating for socialist liberation. But this activism came at a cost: Jones would be expelled from the US for being a communist. Deported to England, she took up the mantle of anti-colonial liberation movements, soon becoming a fixture in London’s West Indian community.

Despite the innumerable obstacles in her way, Jones never wavered in her commitments. In her tireless resistance to capitalism, racism, and sexism, she envisioned an equitable future devoted to peace and humanity—a vision that we all must continue to fight for today.

Denise Lynn is Professor of History at the University of Southern Indiana.

Introduction


Chapter 1: Jones Early years (1915-1936)

Chapter 2: Communist Party, USA (1936-1946)

Chapter 3: The Early Cold War (1945-1950)

Chapter 4: Anti-Cold War and Deportation (1950-1955)

Chapter 5: London (1955-1964)


Conclusion