English
Helen Halyard (1950-2023)
Helen Halyard in October, 2022

Helen Halyard was a leading member of the Socialist Equality Party (US) who fought for the perspective of Trotskyism throughout her entire adult life–more than 50 years. She died suddenly on November 28, 2023, at the age of 73.

In 1971, Helen joined the Workers League, the predecessor of the SEP (US). With David North and others, she fought to ensure the continuity of Trotskyism in the aftermath of the desertion of Workers League national secretary Tim Wohlforth. She was later assistant national secretary of the Workers League during the split between the ICFI and the national-opportunist Workers Revolutionary Party in 1985-86. She also ran for office several times in the 70s, 80s and 90s–including for US president in 1992, when she conducted a world tour.

Helen was one of the leading cadre of the Workers League and ICFI who in 1995 founded the Socialist Equality Party (US), and in 1998 launched the World Socialist Web Site. She wrote many important articles for the WSWS, a selection of which are linked below.

In the 21st century, Helen played a central role in training and educating the many workers and youth who have joined the party as the Trotskyist movement has grown significantly, new sections have been established around the world, and, after decades of its artificial suppression by the trade unions, the class struggle is re-emerging powerfully on an international scale.

On this page:

Photos of Helen Halyard
Obituary
Tributes to Helen
Selected Works

Photos of Helen Halyard
Helen Halyard campaigning as Workers League Congressional candidate in Bedford Stuyvesant, June 1, 1974.
Obituary
Tributes to Helen

These tributes to comrade Helen Halyard were delivered at a memorial event on December 3, 2023.

More tributes
Selected works by Helen Halyard
Latest articles

“I read the WSWS daily, and have for many years, for the clarity and sharpness of the analysis it provides of events the world over”

WSWS readers give support to 2022 New Year appeal

Testimonials for the New Year fund point to the critical role that the site, now entering its 25th year of publication, has played in countering the lies and propaganda of the corporate media.

Helen Halyard

Debra Ann Washington Miller–A fighter for the working class

It is with great sadness that the World Socialist Web Site reports the recent death of Debra Ann Washington Miller, an active supporter of the Socialist Equality Party in Detroit who played a significant role in mobilizing workers against evictions in the downtown area.

Helen Halyard

Detroit exits bankruptcy, but conditions remain bleak

The federal courts and the state government are relinquishing direct control over city operations, entrusting further budget cuts and austerity measures to the administration of Democratic Mayor Mike Duggan.

Helen Halyard

Dr. Coley P. O’Doherty

Comrade Coley joined the Socialist Equality Party in 2005 and remained loyal to the fight for socialist principles until his death.

Helen Halyard

Fifty years since the death of Viola Liuzzo

The fight against Jim Crow segregation drew in white workers and youth as well as African-Americans from the North and the South. Liuzzo’s determination to participate in the civil rights struggle reflected great changes taking place in the US in the 1960s.

Helen Halyard

An Appreciation of Juanita Tyler

The mother of Louisiana frame-up victim Gary Tyler, Juanita Tyler embodied the best qualities of the working class and never wavered in the fight for her son’s freedom.

Helen Halyard