William Z. Foster

William Z. Foster He reportedly chose the "Z" to (1) add distinction to his "William Foster" byline, and (2) ensure he received mail that might otherwise get delivered to another "William E."}} (born William Edward Foster; February 25, 1881 – September 1, 1961) was a radical American labor organizer and Communist politician, whose career included serving as General Secretary of the Communist Party USA from 1945 to 1957. He was previously a member of the Socialist Party of America and the Industrial Workers of the World, leading the drive to organize packinghouse industry workers during World War I and the steel strike of 1919. Provided by Wikipedia