Mahdi Amel (1936-1987) was a Lebanese Marxist thinker and militant renowned for his contributions to Marxist-Leninist thought in the latter half of the 20th century. He held a professorship in philosophy at the Lebanese University in Beirut and played pivotal roles within the Lebanese Communist Party and the Union of Lebanese Writers. 'Amel's ideas were disseminated through his work in al-Tariq, a publication closely associated with the Lebanese Communist Party. His intellectual legacy enriches our understanding of the mid-20th century Arab national liberation movements and sheds light on socialist endeavors in the Arab world.

George Habash, born in 1926 in Lydda, Palestine, was a towering figure in the Palestinian liberation struggle, celebrated for his immense contributions on the Palestinian, Arab, and international levels. Habash co-founded the Arab Nationalist Movement (ANM) in 1951, and later the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) in 1967. Known for his unwavering commitment to armed struggle against Israeli occupation and national unity, Habash advocated for a secular, socialist Palestine and rejected compromise with Israel. Habash's legacy is marked by his consistent commitment to revolutionary Marxist-Leninist principles and his tireless efforts to advance the Palestinian cause.

Nadezhda Krupskaya (1869–1939), born in St. Petersburg, Russia, was a leading Marxist revolutionary and advocate for education and women's rights. She played a crucial role in the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party (RSDLP) alongside her partner, Vladimir Lenin. Krupskaya's dedication to spreading Marxist ideology and organizing workers and peasants against the Tsarist regime was evident throughout her life. After the Bolshevik Revolution, she held positions in the Soviet government, focusing on education reform and literacy campaigns. Krupskaya's legacy is marked by her unwavering commitment to socialism and her significant contributions to advancing education and social progress in Soviet Russia.

Mehdi Ben Barka (1920 – disappeared 29 October 1965) was a Moroccan nationalist, Arab socialist, and revolutionary leader. As head of the left-wing National Union of Popular Forces (UNFP) and secretary of the Tricontinental Conference, he fiercely opposed French imperialism and the rule of King Hassan II. Ben Barka's life reflects the evolution of global anti-colonialism, transitioning from nationalist movements rooted in liberal traditions to revolutionary struggles within an internationalist and socialist framework. He played a crucial role in defining and combating neocolonialism, organizing revolutionary action across Africa, Asia, and Latin America through tricontinentalism.

Fidel Castro (1926–2016), born in Cuba, was a towering revolutionary figure who led the Cuban Revolution alongside Che Guevara and others, overthrowing the US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959. Castro's leadership as Prime Minister and later President of Cuba was marked by his unwavering commitment to Marxist-Leninist principles and socialist transformation. Under his rule, Cuba underwent significant social and economic reforms, including land redistribution, nationalization of key industries, and the establishment of universal healthcare and education systems. Despite facing decades of US hostility and economic blockade, Castro remained a symbol of anti-imperialist resistance and international solidarity.

Hugo Chávez (1954–2013), born in Venezuela, emerged as a transformative leader in Latin America, spearheading the Bolivarian Revolution in which he advocated for a socialist revolution to uplift the marginalized and challenge capitalist hegemony across the region. As President of Venezuela, he implemented far-reaching reforms to redistribute wealth, nationalize key industries, and empower grassroots movements. Chávez's commitment to social justice and anti-imperialism made him a revered figure among the global left, despite facing fierce opposition from domestic elites and the United States.

Ho Chi Minh (1890–1969) was a visionary communist leader who led Vietnam to independence from French colonial rule and later against US aggression during the Vietnam War. Ho Chi Minh's leadership of the Viet Minh liberation movement inspired millions to join the struggle for national sovereignty and socialism. Despite facing formidable military opposition, Ho Chi Minh's indomitable spirit and strategic acumen ultimately led to the reunification of Vietnam under communist rule, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest anti-colonial revolutionaries of the 20th century.

Claudia Jones (1915–1964), a Trinidadian-born communist activist and journalist, dedicated her life to the fight against racism, sexism, and capitalism. Inspired by Marxist-Leninist principles, Jones was a tireless advocate for the rights of Black women and marginalized communities. She played a prominent role in the civil rights and feminist movements in the United States, co-founding the National Committee to Defend Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois and organizing the first major African-Caribbean carnival in the UK. Jones's intersectional analysis and commitment to revolutionary socialism continue to inspire struggles for social justice and liberation

Kim Il Sung (1912–1994), revered as the "Great Leader" of North Korea, was the founding father of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the architect of Juche ideology. Kim Il Sung's leadership was characterized by his unwavering commitment to national sovereignty, socialism, and self-reliance. Under his rule, North Korea underwent rapid industrialization and achieved remarkable advancements in education, healthcare, and technology, despite facing isolation and hostility from the capitalist world.

Amílcar Cabral (1924–1973), born in Guinea-Bissau, was a visionary Marxist-Leninist revolutionary and intellectual who played a pivotal role in the liberation struggle against Portuguese colonial rule in Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde. As the founder and leader of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), Cabral advocated for armed struggle, national unity, and socialism. His theory of armed liberation and commitment to grassroots organizing paved the way for the successful guerrilla war that eventually led to independence.

Thomas Sankara (1949–1987), known as the "Che Guevara of Africa," was a charismatic Marxist-Leninist revolutionary and President of Burkina Faso. He implemented radical reforms to eradicate poverty, promote gender equality, and achieve self-sufficiency in food and energy production. Sankara's revolutionary zeal and dedication to the welfare of the masses made him a beloved figure in Burkina Faso and a symbol of hope for oppressed peoples worldwide. Despite his assassination in a counter-revolutionary coup, Sankara's legacy as a beacon of revolutionary socialism lives on.

Bhagat Singh (1907–1931), an Indian socialist revolutionary, remains an iconic figure in the struggle against British colonial rule and capitalist exploitation. Inspired by Marxist-Leninist principles, Singh was a fierce critic of imperialism and inequality. He played a leading role in the Indian independence movement, advocating for armed struggle and socialist revolution. His martyrdom at the young age of 23 galvanized millions to take up the anti-colonial struggle and continues to inspire generations of activists fighting for freedom and socialism in India and around the world.

Ruth First (1925–1982), a South African anti-apartheid activist, journalist, and Marxist-Leninist scholar, dedicated her life to the fight against racial oppression and capitalist exploitation. She was born into a political family in Johannesburg in 1925, and, as a student in the 1940s, she co founded the Federation of Progressive Students. First played a key role in the liberation struggle, advocating for armed resistance and socialist revolution. She was a fearless investigative journalist, exposing the brutality of the apartheid regime and the complicity of multinational corporations

EMS Namboodiripad (1909–1998), an Indian communist leader and theorist, was a pioneering Marxist-Leninist revolutionary who played a pivotal role in the Communist movement in India. As the first Chief Minister of Kerala, Namboodiripad implemented radical land reforms, empowering millions of landless peasants and agricultural workers. He was a prolific writer and thinker, contributing to the development of Marxist theory in the Indian context and advocating for socialism and national liberation.

Kwame Nkrumah (1909–1972), Ghana's first President and a leading figure in the pan-African movement, was a visionary Marxist-Leninist revolutionary who advocated for the liberation of Africa from colonialism and imperialism. Nkrumah's leadership was marked by his dedication to socialism, African unity, and economic development. He implemented ambitious social programs, including free education and healthcare, and promoted industrialization and agrarian reform. Nkrumah's Pan-Africanist vision and commitment to socialist transformation continue to inspire anti-colonial struggles and progressive movements across the African continent.

Josie Mpama (1905–1979), a South African communist revolutionary, played a crucial role in the anti-apartheid struggle and the development of Marxist-Leninist theory in South Africa. As a founding member of the Communist Party of South Africa, and the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL), and as secretary of the Communist Party’s branch in Potchefstroom, Mpama advocated for mass mobilization, armed struggle, and socialist transformation. She was a prolific writer and organizer, and her revolutionary legacy lives on in the ongoing struggle against racism, capitalism, and imperialism in South Africa and beyond.