Created by
People's Anti-War Mobilization, American, founded 1970s
Owned by
Wright, Sarah Elizabeth, American, 1928 - 2009
Date
1981
Medium
ink on paper (fiber product) with metal and plastic
Dimensions
H x W: 2 x 2 in. (5.1 x 5.1 cm)
Caption
This button was made for an anti-imperialist march on Washington, D.C. on May 3, 1981. Over 100,000 people marched on the Pentagon protesting the US intervention in El Salvador, Palestine, and southern Africa. The march also focused on national issues such as racial violence, repression of the LGBTQ community, and called for an end to the draft.
From 1979-1992, a civil war between the military-backed junta and a coalition of Marxist left-wing groups raged in El Salvador. The Carter and Reagan administrations provided significant economic aid and military training to the government of El Salvador. During the war more than 75,000 Salvadorians were killed due to the military’s brutality against civilians.
This march also occurred during the Atlanta Child Murders. From 1979-1981, at least 28 individuals, all of whom were black, most of whom were young boys were murdered in Atlanta, Georgia. At the time of this march, neither the state nor federal investigations had identified any suspects.
Description
A round white pinback button with black text that reads [Defend / Atlanta's / Children / Not / El Salvador's / Junta]. Below this is a green graphic that ends in a pentagon. The graphic reads [March on the Pentagon / May 3] in white. Below this graphic, small black text reads [PEOPLE'S ANTI-WAR / MOBILIZATION]. A folded green ribbon has been attached to the back of the button.
The manufacturer’s mark for [PEOPLE’S ANTI-WAR MOBILIZATION] is displayed on the underside of the button.
Place depicted
El Salvador, Latin America, North and Central America
Place used
Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
Place depicted
Atlanta, Georgia, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Memorabilia and Ephemera - Political and Activist Ephemera
Type
buttons (information artifacts)
Topic
Activism
Children
International affairs
Justice
Law
LGBTQ
Military
Politics
Race discrimination
U.S. History, 1969-2001
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Family of Sarah Elizabeth Wright
Object number
2010.61.60
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5c297c7ab-d97b-488e-8e72-69a52400e0e2

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

Share this page