The Life and Activism of Angela Davis

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The Life and Activism of Angela Davis

I chose to do this research paper on Angela Davis because of her numerous contributions to the advancements of civil rights as well as to the women’s rights movement. I have passionate beliefs regarding the oppression of women and people of racial minorities. I sought to learn from Davis’ ideology and proposed solutions to these conflicts that pervade our society. As well, I hoped to gain historical insight into her life and the civil rights movement of the 1960’s and 70’s. I believe this research paper to be a way to honor Davis for her efforts toward furthering justice for all people, no matter their sex or race.

Angela Davis grew up surrounded by politically opinionated, educated, and successful family members who influenced her ideals and encouraged her development and ambition. Her father attended St Augustine’s College, a historically black school in North Carolina (Davis 20). Her brother, Ben Davis, was a successful football player who was a member of teams such as the Cleveland Browns and the Detroit Lions (Davis 23). Her mother, Sallye Davis, was substantially involved in the civil rights movement and was a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (Davis 42). In addition, her mother joined the Southern Negro Youth Congress which had strong ties to the Communist Party. This involvement greatly influenced Davis as she had many associations with members of the party which later shaped her political views (“Complexity, Activism, Optimism: An Interview with Angela Y. Davis”).

Angela Yvonne Davis’ interest in social justice began during her youth when she was exposed firsthand to the hateful and violent consequences of racism. She was born on ...

... middle of paper ...

...tivism, Optimism: An Interview with Angela Y. Davis.” Palgrave Macmillan Journals. Feminist Review. 1989. Web. 12 March 2014.

"The Challenge of Prison Abolition: A Conversation." The Challenge of Prison Abolition: A

Conversation. Web. 16 Mar. 2014.

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"Feminist Studies." UC Santa Cruz. Web. 16 Mar. 2014.

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PBS. PBS. Web. 14 Mar. 2014.

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"PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center." Angela Davis Receives Thomas Merton Award : Pittsburgh Indymedia. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.

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