During the Reagan administration in the 1980s, U.S. foreign policy was rooted in winning the Cold War and dispelling communism. U.S support was given to right-wing governments in Central America and the Caribbean in an effort to dispel Soviet influence and leftist regimes. In 1983, the November 12 Coalition organized a day of protest to bring attention to the violations of human rights committed by these U.S.-aided governments. Large rallies were originally planned to take place in Los Angeles and Washington D.C, but in response to the U.S. invasion of Grenada (October 25, 1983) other cities, including Seattle, also held rallies on November 12th.

This poster advertises the Seattle protest, with a march from the Federal Building to Westlake Mall.

Caption information source: “All out for November 12 protests in D.C., L.A.!” The Militant: November 4, 1983, p1.; “Nov. 12 antiwar actions take on new urgency.” The Militant: November 11, 1983, p1