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Angela Davis Speaks-But Is the World Ready to Listen?
By Imani Josey Angela Yvonne Davis is not a fiery speaker. Her tones do not pierce eardrums; her gaze is not meant to burn the eyes. Angela Yvonne Davis is the type of speaker whose soft -spoken, effervescent approach to communicating can leave an auditorium of students wondering if she is indeed the same radical who was placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list. But upon further inspection of her words, it is evident that University of California-Santa Cruz professor is the same woman who donned the iconic ‘fro and black sunglasses during the Black Power Movement. During an early February speech at Howard University, Davis was greeted to by students (and sheer enthusiasm) whose numbers surpassed that of the annual fashion show or R&B concert. She walked on stage as if she was waltzing the red carpet, met by standing ovations and flashing lights. Davis spoke of community and student activism, of candidates and the 2008 presidential election. And though soft-voiced, she gave the students what they wanted. “We need free health care! We need more affordable housing! We need free education!” she announced. The combination of these statements stirred the crowd into frenzy. There were fewer claps this time. Students were confused and conflicted as Davis expounded upon her ideas, explaining that most Americans are unconcerned with jailed individuals. She said that many assume that prisoners deserve what they get, and should not maintain civil rights. Davis concluded that with that mentality, the prison system is based on punishment and not reform (i.e. the title “corrections”). And a system whose concepts of justice are marinated in revenge, fails the victims of crimes as much as it does society. Even less applause. It makes one wonder why, as prisons are becoming a profitable global trend and disparities in race, class, and especially education are as evident in the correctional system as an elephant on a polar ice cap, why are we so ready to strip others of their civic and often human rights? As Davis noted, the past presidential elections could have ended on a different accord if this demographic could have exercised their right to vote nationwide. Crimes aside, would it be too taxing of a thought to extend the right to vote to prisoners who have not been removed from the country, but will still be affected by the leadership of these governing bodies? But like the title character of Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull, sometimes people are either too with the times to be effected, or like Davis, too ahead of the times to be fully heard.
And then she gave the students what they weren’t ready for, and what they were unprepared to hear. Having researched the United States’ prison system for years, Davis had strong opinions on the conditions of correctional facilities, especially when it came to the disenfranchisement of felons.
3 Responses to “Angela Davis Speaks-But Is the World Ready to Listen?”
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February 14th, 2008 at 1:41 am
Great article. I am totally in agreement with Ms. Davis. I just wish we could do something about our people before they end up in jail. Especially African American males.
March 21st, 2008 at 8:48 pm
What would be the impact of H.J. Res. 56 of the 110th session of Congress and representation of issues that plague the people?
March 26th, 2008 at 10:20 am
In retrospect of the subsequent link:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/25/AR2008032502696.html?hpid=sec-education
would Angela Davis’ speech encourage students to continue learning in light of the roadblocks ?