On March 23rd, Kennedy Political Union, Students for a Just Society, and Students for Change hosted the radical activist, prison abolitionist, and feminist Angela Davis. The event was extremely well-attended, with online registration filling mere hours after its announcement. The night consisted of a moderated discussion followed by audience Q&A.
Throughout the evening, Davis gave us a glimpse into her life and accomplishments. Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, she watched her armed father patrol their Black neighborhood, protecting its inhabitants from the KKK. A scholarship allowed her to pursue higher education, which she took with the philosophy that her entire community should benefit from this opportunity, not just her. Later, she spoke on the same stage as Fidel Castro, in front of a crowd of nearly one million. Her position on the FBI’s Most Wanted list and subsequent arrest and imprisonment led to a worldwide campaign for her freedom. Through it all, she tirelessly advocated for a better world, saying she “never once considered not doing this work.”
As inspiring as her story is, Davis took advantage of any opportunity to remind the audience that she is just another human being. She spoke of her love of music - she’s a fan of jazz and hip hop, as well as artists like Kendrick Lamar and Lizzo. Pilates and daily meditation keeps Davis happy and healthy, allowing her to sustain her advocacy efforts. Although her work places her in the public eye, she considers herself a fairly shy and reserved person. She doesn’t identify with the picture typically painted of her by the media, which she feels was “created to be detested.”
When asked if she had advice for young advocates, Davis encouraged them to get involved in a way that captures their imagination. Those who are passionate about their work will be able to pursue it for longer. She also was quick to remind us that change is a group effort, saying, “I cannot think of a single thing I’ve ever done that I have done without other people.” Additionally, criticisms that advocates are too idealistic should be immediately dismissed- “What’s wrong with idealism? I happily accept the label idealistic.”
Davis emphasized the importance of thinking of the long term. Referencing the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, she noted that movements don’t always exist at the same pitch and intensity forever. While a high-energy moment may be unsustainable, it’s not necessarily meaningless. These moments can shift the public view and cause great change in the long run, even if it’s not immediately obvious. Davis fondly noted that it’s beautiful to see young people taking for granted what she struggled for in the past: it shows that her efforts are succeeding.
For information on upcoming SJS events, keep an eye on our monthly newsletter, Engage (Students for a Just Society), and Instagram (@sjsatau).
Comments