Seeds of Fire: A People’s Chronology

Recalling events that happened on this day in history.
Memories of struggle, resistance and persistence.

Compiled by Ulli Diemer

March 31, 1492
King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella order all Jews who refuse to convert to Christianity to be expelled from Spain. Related Topics: Jews – Religious Persecution – Spain
March 31, 1797
Death of Olaudah Equiano, a former slave who purchased his freedom and became an author, merchant, and active member of the movement to abolish slavery. Further Reading: Olaudah Equiano: The Interesting Narrative and Other Writings Related Topics: Anti-Slavery – Slavery
March 31, 1872
Birth of Alexandra Kollontai, Russian communist and women’s rights advocate. Further Reading: Alexandra Kollontai: The Autobiography of a Sexually Emancipated Communist Woman Alexandra Kollontai: The Workers Opposition Abra Quinn: Meeting Alexandra Kollontai Teresa L. Ebert: Alexandra Kollontai and Red Love
March 31, 1927
Birth of Cesar Chavez, American labour organizer, co-founder of the United Farm Workers. Quote: “The only way I know how to organize is to talk to one person, and then you talk to another person, and then you talk to another.” Related Topics: Labour Organizing