Famous American Peace Activists

Samantha Smith was an American peace activist, known for her anti-war efforts during the Cold War. She gained fame for writing a letter to the Soviet Union's General Secretary and receiving an invitation to visit. As a "Goodwill Ambassador," she engaged in peacemaking activities and authored a book about her journey. Additionally, she pursued a career as a child actress, hosting specials and appearing in television series. Tragically, she passed away at a young age in a plane crash in 1985.

Rachel Aliene Corrie was an American nonviolence activist and diarist who was a member of the pro-Palestinian International Solidarity Movement. She protested the Israeli military's actions in the Palestinian territories, particularly focusing on house demolitions. Corrie was known for her commitment to peace activism and participated in efforts to prevent the demolition of Palestinian property. Her death in 2003, caused by an Israeli bulldozer during a protest, sparked controversy and criticism regarding the Israeli military's actions and investigations into the incident.

Ron Kovic is an American anti-war activist, author, and former United States Marine Corps sergeant who was wounded and paralyzed in the Vietnam War. His renowned 1976 memoir, Born on the Fourth of July, was adapted into a successful film featuring Tom Cruise in the lead role. Kovic's work as a writer and activist has garnered him critical acclaim, including receiving the Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay and an Academy Award nomination. His contributions to literature and advocacy continue to impact audiences worldwide.

Daniel Joseph Berrigan SJ was an American Jesuit priest, anti-war activist, Christian pacifist, playwright, poet, and author. Known for his protests against the Vietnam War, he gained both admiration and scorn for his involvement with the Catonsville Nine. Berrigan was arrested multiple times, served prison time for destruction of government property, and even found himself on the FBI's "most wanted list." Throughout his life, he remained a prominent anti-war activist, co-founding the Plowshares movement in 1980 and authoring around 50 books.

Philip Francis Berrigan was an American peace activist and Catholic priest associated with the Josephites. He was known for his commitment to nonviolent, civil disobedience in the pursuit of peace and nuclear disarmament. Throughout his career, Berrigan engaged in various acts of protest and was frequently arrested. He made significant contributions to the peace movement through his activism and willingness to challenge unjust systems. Additionally, Berrigan's marriage to former nun Elizabeth McAlister and their subsequent excommunication and reinstatement added complexity to his professional life.

Jody Williams is an American political activist renowned for her advocacy work in banning anti-personnel landmines, defending human rights, especially those of women, and promoting new security paradigms. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997 for her impactful efforts in banning and clearing anti-personnel mines, marking a significant milestone in her career. Williams' professional life is characterized by her unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes and her relentless pursuit of global peace and security through activism and advocacy.

David Starr Jordan was a prominent ichthyologist and academic leader. He served as the founding president of Stanford University, where he played a key role in shaping the institution from 1891 to 1913. Prior to his tenure at Stanford, he was the president of Indiana University. Jordan was known for his research in ichthyology and his strong support of eugenics, advocating for selective breeding to prevent "race-degeneration." He was also an antimilitarist, opposing war due to its impact on the gene pool.

Peace Pilgrim was an American spiritual teacher, mystic, pacifist, vegetarian activist, and peace activist. In 1952, she made history by being the first woman to walk the entire length of the Appalachian Trail in one season. Renaming herself "Peace Pilgrim," she embarked on a journey across the United States in 1953, dedicating 28 years to spreading a message of peace. She ceased counting miles in 1964 after having walked over 25,000 miles for her cause, inspiring others with her commitment to inner and outer peace.

Roger Nash Baldwin was a prominent figure in championing civil liberties in the United States. As one of the founders and executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) until 1950, he oversaw many landmark cases that shaped the organization's legacy. Baldwin's leadership was instrumental in defending freedoms of speech, press, and religion, as demonstrated in cases such as the Scopes Trial and the Sacco and Vanzetti murder trial. He was also a renowned pacifist and author, leaving a lasting impact on civil liberties advocacy in America.

Cindy Sheehan is an American anti-war activist known for her extended protest against the Iraq War outside President George W. Bush's Texas ranch in 2005. She ran for Congress in 2008 and has been critical of both President Obama's and President Trump's foreign policies. She authored the memoir "Peace Mom: A Mother's Journey Through Heartache to Activism" in 2006. She was the vice-presidential nominee of the Peace and Freedom Party in 2012 and received 1.2% of the vote in the 2014 California gubernatorial election.

Eagle Woman, also known as Matilda Picotte Galpin, was a prominent Lakota activist, diplomat, trader, and translator. She played a critical role in mediating conflicts between white settlers, the United States government, and the Sioux. Eagle Woman was recognized as a chief among the Sioux and was the first woman to sign a treaty with the U.S. government in 1882. She advocated for peace, supported the Sioux during forced relocations to reservations, and successfully navigated challenges such as trade wars and white encroachment on native lands.

Carlos Arredondo is a peace activist and American Red Cross volunteer. He turned to anti-war activism following the death of his eldest son in the Iraq War. Arredondo has dedicated his professional life to promoting peace and advocating against war. As a volunteer with the American Red Cross, he has contributed to humanitarian efforts and provided support to those affected by crises. Through his activism and volunteer work, Arredondo strives to make a positive impact on society and inspire others to work towards a more peaceful world.

Colman McCarthy is an American journalist, teacher, lecturer, pacifist, progressive, anarchist, and long-time peace activist. He directed the Center for Teaching Peace in Washington, D.C. and wrote columns for The Washington Post from 1969 to 1997, covering a wide range of topics including politics, religion, health, sports, education, poverty, and peacemaking. Known as "the liberal conscience of The Washington Post," McCarthy has also contributed to publications such as The New Yorker, The Nation, The Progressive, The Atlantic, The New York Times, Reader's Digest, and National Catholic Reporter.