Chicago, IL – Some of the strongest women fighters in the working class and oppressed nationalities’ movements in Chicago gathered March 8 to celebrate International Women’s Day. Four women were honored with the first Rasmea Odeh Awards, in an event organized by Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), and endorsed by the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, AnakBayan, Anti-War Committee, and the U.S. Palestinian Community Network. More than 100 people attended the celebration.

Kait McIntyre spoke for FRSO about the struggle of working women and how women will win their liberation and help bring about socialism. McIntyre said she was inspired by her recent trip to socialist Cuba, as part of a delegation anti-war activists.

Awards went to Monica James, an African American, transgender woman, who resisted police violence, and then testified to the U.N. in Switzerland in 2014; Nesreen Hasan of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, a leader in Rasmea’s defense campaign; Chicago Teachers Union activist, Annie Tan, an activist in the struggle to defend special education; and Dorothy Holmes, mother of Ronald “Ronnieman” Johnson, a victim of police murder in October 2014. In the past year, Dorothy Holmes has been singled out by the racist media for her militant speeches demanding justice for her son.

The awards were named for Chicago’s iconic Palestinian community leader, Rasmea Odeh, who recently won an important victory in court. Kait McIntyre said, “We’re so happy that Rasmea is here today to present these awards. We’re determined that she’ll be here next year, and for many years to come.”

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