On this utterly average cold winter day in Maine at the University of New England, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend the “Freedom is a Constant Struggle” talk by none other than Angela Davis, a renowned supporter of the black freedom movement throughout the years. It was not too long ago that I was in high school, only just beginning to read some of her works; only a small portion of her massive contribution to the movement. Entering the talk, the first thing I noticed below the thunderous crowd of people was the immaculate and undeniable energy of the room. The faces of the many different people in all directions were beaming with excitement. I realized that I really couldn’t blame them— It is not a common occurrence to have such an influence visit you at your own home.
After a series of introductory speeches came and went, the moment finally arrived where we were greeted by the big reputable smile of Davis herself; Hundreds rising to their feet to welcome her to our institution. Her talk ranged from passionate calls for reform to humorous jeers at some political controversies. Throughout the talk, she mentioned some of her historical and complex life story, referencing her experience growing up in the racism of the south, and drew a parallel between those times and the modern day discourse and violence in the middle east. This was a powerful addition to the talk, as in America many think of the Jim Crow era segregation as something over and done with, rather than being the huge and important issue affecting many today.
One part that particularly resonated with me was her mention of trans black women specifically and their place in society as one of, if not the most oppressed groups today. Too often I hear from discourse that intersectionality is used as an “oppression card,” something that is simply “put away after use”— a grievance that usually arises from groups that do not understand the fundamentals of intersectionality. What is often misconstrued are their lives, where others assume that the race, class, or gender of an individual is their main defining feature, rather than the more personable descriptors (such as personality, hobbies, etc).
Overall, it was a very important and engaging talk. Listening to someone with such passion and insight was a great experience, and I am glad to have been blessed with the opportunity.
