Black Sharecroppers in Arkansas Organize Progressive Farmers Union, Massacred at Elaine

The Progressive Farmers and Household Union of America was organized by Black sharecroppers in Phillips County, Arkansas in 1919 to collectively negotiate cotton prices. Led by Robert Hill, it had attracted hundreds of members by the fall. Their peaceful economic organizing was the direct provocation for the Elaine Massacre, which killed 100-237 Black residents.