November 19th marks the 100th anniversary of the execution of activist and labour organiser Joe Hill by the hands of the state.

A Swedish immigrant, a songwriter, Joe Hill was a worker and a member of the Industrial Workers of the World, the Wobblies. He was a prolific songwriter for his union, which contributed to the IWW’s growth in the early 20th century.



While working in Utah, he was accused of a double murder, which he did not commit. Despite an international campaign to save him, which included the Swedish ambassador and President Wilson, he was executed for those murders. The State of Utah condemned Joe Hill and his union as troublemakers.