In a vibrant, collective celebration of revolutionary history, young comrades of the Progressive Labor Party (PLP) led an inspiring event commemorating the October 1917 Revolution - the historic moment when the working class, led by the Bolsheviks, seized power and began to build the first workers’ state in the world.
A multiracial group of about 25 participants - high school students, college students, and workers - gathered to honor the revolution that proved workers can run society without bosses. What made this event truly special was that it was designed and led entirely by new and young comrades. Their leadership, creativity, and commitment to building a communist future shined throughout the day.
The program was organized into four dynamic sections, each sparking thoughtful discussion and collective learning.
Understanding systems: capitalism, socialism and communism
A high school student kicked off the event with an interactive discussion about capitalism, socialism, and communism. Using vivid images to represent each system, she encouraged everyone to share what they noticed. Together, participants developed shared definitions - recognizing capitalism as a system built on exploitation and profit, socialism as a transitional period still burdened by inequity and remnants of class rule, and communism as the true goal: a classless, moneyless society based on collectivity and fulfilling human need.
This section set the tone for the event. It grounded everyone in the understanding that ideas and political clarity are weapons in the fight for liberation.
Politics are primary: Lessons from the pre-revolutionary struggle
Next, two college students presented on the political landscape before the 1917 Revolution. They explained how various parties and movements shaped the direction of Russia’s working-class struggle, and how only the Bolsheviks’ commitment to revolutionary politics and working-class leadership made victory possible. This section highlighted a key truth for today: without revolutionary politics, even the most courageous struggles can be co-opted or crushed.
Building a new society: The achievements of socialist USSR
In the third section, two more college students presented the tremendous accomplishments of the early socialist Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). The audience learned how the working class, through collective planning and mass participation, eradicated unemployment, dramatically improved literacy and education, and made major strides toward ending racism and sexism. Women entered the workforce and political life on a massive scale. The discussion reminded us that when the working class holds power, real progress is possible.
Learning from setbacks: Why socialism reverted back to capitalism
Finally, a college student and a high school teacher led a gallery walk exploring how and why socialism in the USSR eventually gave way to capitalism once again. Participants analyzed how lingering inequalities, the persistence of wages and money, and the rise of new bureaucratic elites undermined the revolution. This critical reflection opened the door to understanding PLP’s guiding lesson: we can’t fight for socialism - we must fight directly for communism.
A movement for the future
After each section, lively discussions filled the room. Participants drew connections between the struggles of the past and the battles we face today. In the closing discussion, comrades reaffirmed PLP’s commitment to building a mass international party of workers, students and soldiers - united to smash capitalism and abolish the wage system entirely. Additionally, we rejected nationalism, which divides workers by borders and binds us to the ruling classes of our nations. Our fight is global, our class is one, and our vision is clear: a communist world without exploitation.
The day’s energy and unity inspired everyone. In fact, a young Black woman worker, moved by the collective spirit and the clarity of communist politics, made the powerful decision to join PLP and dedicate herself to fight for a world run for and by the workers.
This event proved that the revolutionary spirit of 1917 lives on in today’s youth. With leadership like this, the future belongs to the working class!