Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
People gather to celebrate the life of communist activist Claudia Jones

MORE than 50 people gathered at London’s historic Highgate Cemetery on Sunday to celebrate the life of legendary communist activist Claudia Jones.

Jones, who is buried to the left of Karl Marx, died on Christmas Day 1964, having made a massive contribution to the movement for socialism in the United States and Britain. 

Among the speakers was Fran Heathcote, the first female general secretary of the PCS union.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Claudia Jones
International Women’s Day 2026 / 7 March 2026
7 March 2026

The pioneering activist understood that freedom could only be won through solidarity across communities. Her legacy offers vital lessons at a time when progressive politics risks losing that shared purpose

The Morning Star republishes PRAGNA PATEL’s speech at the annual commemoration of Claudia Jones on February 22 2026

(L to R) Claudia Jones on the cover of the Young Communist Weekly Review (US), October 1938, Claudia Jones and Betty Gannett (CPSU theoretician) arrested after their bail was revoked July 17, 1951 / Pics (L to R) YCL/CC, Public domain
Features / 21 February 2026
21 February 2026

On the 121st anniversary of communist Claudia Jones’s birth ROGER McKENZIE looks at political events that shaped her, and those she helped shape

IN THE BEGINING: Carnival band photo taken by Dr Ted Hill, in Port of Spain in the early 1950s and made available in public domain by his son John Hill
Features / 23 August 2025
23 August 2025

DAVID HORSLEY reminds us of the roots and staying power of one of the most iconic festivals around