Origin Stories: Antifa

“Antifa” is short for “anti-fascist.” Its roots trace back to Europe in the 1920s and 1930s, when militant leftists organized to resist the rise of fascist regimes in Italy and Germany. The name resurfaced in the 1980s with punk and skinhead groups in Germany, who fought neo-Nazi violence in their streets.

By the late 20th century, Antifa had crossed into the U.S., especially through the punk and hardcore music scenes. Groups like Anti-Racist Action (ARA) confronted white supremacists at rallies, concerts, and public gatherings.

Unlike a formal organization, Antifa is a loose network with no central leadership. Members share a commitment to confronting fascism, racism, and far-right extremism. Their tactics range from nonviolent actions like organizing rallies, counterprotests, and community defense, to controversial direct action such as property damage and physical confrontation. Supporters argue this prevents fascist groups from gaining ground; critics see it as undermining democratic norms.

📌 Key Moments in Antifa’s History

• 1920s–30s Europe: Anti-fascist groups resist Mussolini and Hitler.

• 1980s Germany: Punk and anarchist groups revive the Antifa banner to fight neo-Nazis.

• 1990s U.S.: Anti-Racist Action emerges, confronting white supremacists in public spaces.

• 2010s: Antifa gains wider attention after the Charlottesville “Unite the Right” rally (2017), where activists confronted armed white nationalists.

• 2020s: President Trump repeatedly attacks Antifa, framing it as a domestic threat — despite the fact that no evidence shows it to be a centralized organization.

Today, Antifa remains controversial but also symbolic: a reminder that the fight against fascism and hate takes many forms — from peaceful protest to more confrontational tactics.