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Angela Davis speaks at Boutwell Stadium
Angela Davis speaks at Boutwell Stadium
Photo by Amy Lawhon/Staff Photographer
Angela Davis, social activist and Birmingham native, at press conference at Tuggle Elementary on Saturday, February 16.
Myles Womack
CItyLifestyle Editor
mjw3@uab.edu
On Saturday, February 16, the Birmingham Committee of Truth and Reconciliation hosted, “A Conversation with Dr. Angela Davis” at the Boutwell Auditorium.The event was announced back in early January as an alternative honor ceremony after the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) originally rescinded the Fred Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award. The BCRI re-invited Davis back again in late January.
“It’s important that we recognize that no communities are homogeneous,” Davis said. “There are political differences in black communities and I think that what was damaging to the history of the involvement of Jewish people in progressive struggles was what happened with true award.”
Earlier the day, for the first time since the events of the past several weeks had unfolded, Davis spoke publicly on the issue in a press conference held at Tuggle Elementary, the school at which she attended as a youth.
Davis said the BCRI has still yet to give an explanation behind why the award was first rescinded or later why that decision has been repealed.
“If I accept the award it would be a good move to engage in conversations about the issues [regarding the decision to rescind the award],” Davis said.
Dr. Imani Perry, the Hughes-Rogers Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University discussed several topics with Davis.
“I will never love Birmingham as much as I love Birmingham this moment,” Davis said.
During the conversation, Davis further elaborated on her reaction to the BCRI’s decision.
Davis said that she was first “overcome with joy” upon hearing the news of the Civil Rights Institute’s award and then was “surprised” after the rescission.
Davis also touched on her scholastic career, her role in Palestinian rights, prison reformation and her upbringing in Birmingham.Davis has yet to respond to the BCRI or accepting the offer a second time.
“I don’t want to do anything to damage the reputation of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute,” Davis said.
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BBC radio program records activism discussion in Birmingham
BBC radio program records activism discussion in Birmingham
Photo by Lakyn Shepard/Art Editor
Sherri Jackson (center) opens discussion on the role of churches in modern-day activism.
Mallorie Turner
Blazer News Reporter
maturn31@uab.edu
Thursday, August 23, a discussion on activism was held at 16th Street Baptist Church. UK based radio program BBC World Service Heart and Soul was present to record the event.
Veteran reporter Sherri Jackson of CBS 42 brought together a panel of activists and clergy to discuss the influence of African-American churches on activism from the past and the present. Black churches served as governing bodies of social movements during the civil rights era.
The question of whether this power is present in current activist movements was debated within the panel and a live audience.
"Love in the face of hate, which is what Dr. King's message was," Jackson said. "I think this message is so relevant today and it needs to be shouted out not just from the pulpits, churches and congregations. Each of us in our individual places in humanity, we need to talk about love and not hate."
Read more about the event in print on Tuesday, August 28.
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Resources offer first-hand insight into Civil Rights struggle
Brooke Becker introduces two new databases of records from the early days of the NAACP and the 20th century Black Freedom Struggle. Photo by Ian Keel
Two new databases of primary sources are available online
Destiny Hosmer - Staff Writer
drhosmer@uab.edu
Primary historical resources on the 20th century Black Freedom Struggle and records of the early history of the NAACP can now be accessed at UAB Libraries following the debut of two new databases on Thursday, Oct. 20.
