author
Vito Marcantonio
1902–1954
A fiery New York congressman from East Harlem, he built a reputation for speaking up for immigrants, workers, and Puerto Rican communities when few national politicians would. His long, unusual career made him one of the most prominent radical voices in twentieth-century American politics.
1 Audiobook
Labor's Martyrs: Haymarket 1887, Sacco and Vanzetti 1927
by Vito Marcantonio
About the author
Born in New York City on December 10, 1902, Vito Marcantonio grew up in East Harlem and trained as a lawyer before entering politics. He was closely connected to Fiorello La Guardia early in his career and won election to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served seven terms representing East Harlem.
Marcantonio became known for an independent, combative style and for taking positions well to the left of most members of Congress. He was especially associated with labor rights, civil rights, anti-colonial causes, and advocacy for Puerto Ricans and other immigrant communities in his district.
After leaving Congress, he remained a well-known public figure until his death on August 9, 1954. His legacy has stayed controversial but durable: admirers remember him as a fearless champion of ordinary people, while critics saw him as too radical for his time.