Angela Davis and Black Power By Kaitlin Kaluzny

Angela Davis Activist, educator, scholar, politician, author

Black Power A movement that began in the late 1960’s amidst the quest for black freedom; often referred to as “the black liberation movement” A movement to not only claim legal rights, but essential rights such as jobs, education, healthcare, etc.

Angela Davis, Background Born January 26, 1944 Birmingham, AL o “Dynamite Hill” Father- Frank Davis, service station owner Mother- Sallye Davis, elementary school teacher o Member of the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) As a child, Angela attended various civil rights movements with mother

Education Elizabeth Irwin H.S.- New York, NY o “leftist” school Brandeis University in Waltham, MA o ’63-’64 studied abroad in France at Sorbonne o graduated magna cum laude in French literature began graduate study of philosophy in Frankfurt, Germany Masters Degree in Philosophy University of California at San Diego

Angela Davis, Activist Political activism began at a young age Joined civil rights movement after hearing about the deaths of 4 African American girls in her hometown influenced by Black Power supporters, joined SNCC and Black Panther Party became member of the American Communist Party

Angela Davis, Educator April hired as assistant professor of philosophy at University of California, Los Angeles September terminated because of her Communist association. Issue brought to court California Supreme Court ruled she could not be fired because of her Communist membership

Involvement with the prison Angela Davis worked to improve prison inmate conditions Led movement to release the “Soledad Brothers” one of the Soledad boy’s younger brother attempted to release the inmates Attempt failed, guns used by younger brother were registered in Angela’s name Angela was added to FBI’s most wanted list

Davis found 2 months later by law enforcement Spent nearly a year and a half in jail before case was taken to court, judged by an all white committee She was found innocent on all charges and was released She had written essays while in jail and these were published as, “If they Come in the Morning: Voices of Resistance”

Angela Davis Today Professor of History of Consciousness and Feminist Studies Departments at the University of California, Santa Cruz Continues to devote her attention to making changes in the prison system Has lectured in all fifty states and in other countries in Europe and Africa She continually works to fight all modes of subjugation in the U.S. and worldwide