Angela Davis: The Intersection of Art & Social Justice

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10 • Perspectives Magazine

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Angela Davis:

The Intersection of Art Social Justice

CLOAKED IN BLACK, she stood tall as a symbol of Black power. Recognizable by her signature afro, which has gone gray with time, Dr. Angela Davis entered the Spectrum arena to thundering applause and a standing ovation.

Davis, considered by most to be the foremost scholar on Black feminism, was formally welcomed to Utah State University (USU) by two Native American students: Tyra Hardin of the Shoshoni tribe and Denishia Tsosie of the Navajo tribe.

By Pono Suganuma, USU Journalism Graduate

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“Develop a community, don’t just jump up and do it by yourself.”

The young women introduced themselves in their native languages before presenting Davis with a gift and embracing her. “My tribe originates from the Cache Valley area. I would just like to welcome and thank Angela Davis for recognizing indigenous lands and speaking on social justice,” Hardin said.

This initial interaction between Davis, Hardin, and Tsosie was the first of many moments of the evening that brought me to tears. For Tomoya Averett, it was an emotional evening too. “I grew up always knowing who she was and what she stood for,” said Averett, who serves as a diversity ambassador at USU. “To be in the same space as one of the most influential African-American women in history resonated with me on a deep emotional plane.”

The atmosphere of the arena vibrated with energy and emotion throughout the evening. The captivated audience punctuated her speech with bouts of clapping and shouted replies each time she

voiced a strong argument or inspiring phrase. My favorite?

“Women are on the rise,” she said.

I heard a ton of “Yes, Miss Davis,” after that declaration. A group of impeccably dressed African-American women seated next to me ardently shouted this every time she punched words with power (which was often). “She was so frank, so honest, and so educated, but in a manner where she was giving you the information because you deserve it, not because she’s anything special. It really inspired me to go out and look for this information myself,” said Nahomi Jimenez, a USU student.

Davis wove knowledge and persuasion together seamlessly to create an evening of pure learning for all.

During the question and answer portion of the evening, I was thrilled when Davis responded to two of my painstakingly thoughtout questions from the online

forum. As she was reading out my first question, regarding people’s hesitancy to speak out for fear of marginalization, I whispered with excitement to all those around me “That’s my question. That’s my question.”

Her response? Simple.

“Develop a community,” Davis said. “Find some allies. Don’t just jump up and do it by yourself.”

Throughout her oration, she mentioned a wide variety of marginalized communities, but the largest group, she said, are women living in this “hetero-patriarchal” society. Davis said it is critical for women to be key players and leaders in communities because, “when women begin to move,” she said, “the entire world moves with them.”

Missed Dr. Davis’ speech? Watch on our website

cwg.usu.edu /featured_speakers

12 • Perspectives Magazine

ACTION ITEMS FROM ANGELA

For year of the arts, Angela recognized a variety of artists during her speech, and asked us to google them.

Bernice Reagon, Sweet Honey In the Rock

Ella’s Song, Joan Little

Toshi Reagon & Bernice Johnson Reagon, Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower Rock opera based on Spenser’s novel.

Yance Ford

Strong Island, Documentary on Netflix.

Geri Allen American jazz pianist

“To be in the same space as one of the most influential African-American women in history resonated with me on a deep emotional plane.”

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