Change is the only constant in the world. Throughout history, countries have incarcerated people for their activism, beliefs, or resistance to oppression. Often they were just far ahead of the times in which they lived; they were recognized as visionaries later in life or after their death.

They’re all from different countries, nationalities, ethnicities, and/or sexual orientations. The common thread is that they stood up against injustice, often at great personal risks.

The resilience and unwavering commitment of civil rights and human rights activists have time and again proven that, even when subjected to incarceration, their resolve cannot be extinguished.

Let’s Talk About 10 Such Leaders

1. Ai Weiwei (August 28, 1957) 

Ai Weiwei stood up to authoritarianism. A Chinese contemporary artist and activist who has been a vocal critic of the Chinese government’s human rights policies, he was detained for several months in 2011 and has faced ongoing government surveillance and restrictions. Still living under government surveillance, his struggle against censorship and his commitment to speaking out for freedom of expression have made him an enduring symbol of resistance.

2. Aung San Suu Kyi (June 19, 1945) 

Aung San Suu Kyi resists military rule. A Nobel laureate and pro-democracy leader in Myanmar, Suu Kyi spent many years under house arrest due to her opposition to the military regime. At 45, she began her first bout of such house arrests, and now decades later, she is facing nearly 30 years in prison as she continues fighting for democracy. Suu Kyi remains a polarizing figure, but her fight for the democratic future of Myanmar continues to inspire human rights advocates around the world.

3. Gloria Steinem (March 25, 1934) 

Gloria Steinem was bold enough to support feminists. An American icon and social-political activist, she co-founded Ms. Magazine and has been a prominent advocate for women’s rights. In 1972, at 38, she faced a brief period of incarceration in connection with an abortion speak-out in New York. Decades later, she’s still fighting for women’s equality and reproductive rights. Today, well into her 80s, she continues to fight for bodily autonomy for all.

4. Alan Turing (June 23, 1912 – June 7, 1954) 

Alan Turing lived life authentically. He was a brilliant mathematician and computer scientist who played a crucial role in breaking the German Enigma code during World War II. Despite his contributions, at 40, Turing was convicted of “gross indecency” in 1952 for engaging in same-sex relationships , which were criminal offenses in the UK at that time. He was chemically castrated as part of his punishment and faced severe social and professional consequences. Today, we celebrate Turing not only for his groundbreaking achievements, but also as a symbol of the continued fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and equality.

5. Cesar Chavez (March 31, 1927 – April 23, 1993) 

Cesar Chavez understood the importance of labor rights. He was a labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers. Chavez was 42 when he was arrested for disobeying an order to stop boycotting. It wasn’t the only time. He was arrested multiple times throughout his life, yet he stood firm in his commitment to justice — which has resulted in historic gains for workers’ rights around the globe. 

6. Mahatma Gandhi (October 2, 1869 – January 30, 1948) 

Mahatma Gandhi needed to better understand that none of us are free until we are free.  A leader of the Indian independence movement, the British incarcerated Gandhi several times for his nonviolent resistance against British colonial rule. In fact, he was arrested at 38 for not registering and actively protesting a discriminatory act against Asians. He is to be commended for those actions.

At the same time, given recent social progress, history is shining a new light on his racist views toward Black Africans and reports that he slept naked with a girl-child who was his grandniece as a form of experimentation. Yes, we must acknowledge his contributions to India’s independence. We must also recognize the more troubling aspects of his beliefs and actions, underscoring the importance of intersectionality in our fights for justice for all.

7. Marsha P. Johnson (August 24, 1945 – July 6, 1992) 

Marsha P. Johnson was a Black American transgender activist who co-founded the Gay Liberation Front and the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR). She was arrested over 100 times before passing at the young age of 46, with many arrests for simply being herself and wearing makeup. She faced ongoing police harassment, and ultimately played a key role in the 1969 Stonewall riots — an important moment in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement.

8. Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) 

Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy lives on. He was an iconic leader of the American civil rights movement, which led to him being arrested numerous times for his nonviolent protests and advocacy for racial equality — including petty harassment, such as when the police arrested him at age 27 for “going 5 miles over the speed limit.” An assassin may have cut his life short, but he remains a powerful symbol of the fight against racial injustice. His legacy continues to inspire social justice movements around the globe.

9. Rosa Parks (February 4, 1913 – October 24, 2005) 

Rosa Parks was a rebel with a cause. At 42, she got arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white person. The act helped spark the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which further fueled the American Civil Rights Movement and dismantled legal segregation in the United States.

10. Salvador Allende (June 26, 1908 – September 11, 1973)

Salvador Allende connected the dots between democracy, human rights, and resistance to authoritarianism. A democratically elected president of Chile, he was overthrown in 1973 when the U.S. backed a military coup, which ultimately killed him. Prior to his presidency, he was arrested in medical school for being a student activist, he continued to fight for human rights until death. Allende’s presidency and legacy continue to inspire movements for social justice across the world, and are often considered emblematic of the struggle for human rights and democracy.

Empowering Change Through Action

We must continue to push the boundaries of progress, even during the darkest of times, drawing inspiration from the indomitable spirit of those who have come before us. As we reflect on these ten examples above, several key lessons emerge:

• Progress is complex and must be intersectional: Few things in life are very straightforward. Many historical figures who fought for justice in one area may have held harmful beliefs in another. Understanding their impact — any making positive progress forward — requires acknowledging the intersections of race, gender, class, and other factors that may influence activism and flaws.
• Critical thinking is essential: Humans are imperfect. We must understand leaders in their full complexity, recognizing both their achievements and their failures. This nuanced approach helps us honor their contributions while holding them accountable for views or actions that spread harm.
• Allow our understanding of justice to evolve: Our collective understanding of justice and equity must continue to grow. Keep an open mind. We must be willing to reassess our heroes and reexamine our history, acknowledging where even well-meaning figures fell short.
• Stay in the fight for justice: Each generation inherits the privilege and responsibility to confront the injustices of its time. As we build on the work of those who came before us, we must also learn from their mistakes, and collectively seek to create a more equitable and just world for everyone.

By embracing this approach, we can honor the progress made by social justice leaders throughout history while also holding ourselves and our society to ever-higher standards of equity and justice. If you know of organizations that are supporting — or are led by — contemporary leaders who are carrying these legacies forward, please reach out. We are always excited about continuing to push the boundaries of progress in a positive direction. We give thanks to our ancestors and draw inspiration from those who have come before us. Even during the darkest of times, let there always be light.