Issue date: 2/25/08 Section: News

Media Credit: courtesy photo Dr. Angela Davis speaks at HOward University Crampton Auditorium.

    On Feb. 6, there was standing room only in the auditorium at Howard University as Angela Davis, the former Black Panther member spoke to audience members about the importance of advocacy.

    As a member of the Black Panther Party in the 1960's Davis most certainly knows a thing or two about the importance of advocacy; very outspoken about the topic, she is trying to stress it among young people in the United States. Of the many causes she has fought for, prison abolition stands out. "There is a need to advocate for the rights of people that may be incarcerated, to advocate for the rights of human beings," Davis stressed.

    Speaking from her own experiences of being incarcerated for a crime that she did not commit, Davis is familiar with how barbaric the judicial system could be. "I have been propelled to advocate for these prisoners all around the world." Davis also expressed her concern about those in government. Her worries extend far beyond the simple dichotomy of Democrat versus Republican.

    "The Democratic process has fooled many into thinking that it's the answer to social ills to people whose ills they have never had concern for," said Davis. "We all are to be careful in all that we do and when it comes to making decisions about who leads our country, even more careful", she continued. Injustice, by definition, is being unjust or an unjust act. But by Davis' standards it is "the failure to treat people according to their content as opposed to their color, race, creed, or sexual orientation."

    What is most clear in all of this is that Davis has not lost any zeal since she began her courageous journey at the age of 14. Dale Lyons, UDC History Club president said, "Dr. Davis has continued to be an inspiration to all those that have a true compassion for the victims of injustice."

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