Angela Davis on feminism, communism and being a Black Panther during the civil rights movement

The speaker reminisces about the pivotal year of 1968, highlighting their involvement in significant political movements such as SNICK, the Black Panther Party, and the Communist Party. They reflect on the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Paris student uprisings, noting the rise of an emergent feminist consciousness that recognized the interconnectedness of racism, capitalism, and sexism. The speaker draws parallels between the social and political climate of 1968 and current events, such as the #MeToo movement and Black Lives Matter, suggesting a continuity in the struggle for social justice.

The speaker discusses the evolution of social consciousness since the 1960s, emphasizing the growth of feminist movements led by women of color that emphasize the interconnections of social justice issues. They critique mainstream feminism and highlight the importance of grassroots feminism in shaping the current understanding of gender, race, and class. The conversation also touches on the controversial presidency of Donald Trump, with the speaker expressing skepticism about his democratic legitimacy due to the electoral college system's historical roots in slavery.

The speaker acknowledges the influence of activists from the 1960s on contemporary politics, citing examples like Bernie Sanders and Jeremy Corbyn. They argue that the emergence of new movements such as Black Lives Matter and the Me Too movement is not spontaneous but the result of decades of organizing. The speaker also reflects on the importance of recognizing the historical connections between past and present activism and encourages younger generations to engage in electoral politics.

The speaker discusses the impact of the internet and social media on activism, noting the increased capacity for mobilization and communication. They compare the global solidarity of the 1960s with today's online activism, expressing concern about the individualization effect of neoliberal ideology. The speaker also addresses the issue of fake news and emphasizes the importance of critical engagement and questioning assumptions in the face of misinformation.

The speaker reflects on their personal journey as an activist, including their time as a political prisoner and the global solidarity that contributed to their freedom. They discuss the disconnect between their self-perception and the iconic image projected by the media, expressing a sense of embarrassment and a recognition that the icon represents the collective struggle rather than the individual. The speaker also shares their lack of regrets, viewing challenging experiences as gifts that have shaped their life and activism.

The speaker discusses the relationship between social movements and electoral politics, emphasizing the importance of understanding how movements can influence political outcomes. They share their experience as a vice presidential candidate for the Communist Party and express a preference for contributing to the broader arena of politics rather than focusing solely on electoral positions. The speaker also comments on the Trump administration's attempts to revert societal progress and the ongoing struggle against the prison industrial complex.

The speaker addresses the issue of mass incarceration in the United States, particularly among the African-American population, and calls for the abolition of the prison system rather than reform. They argue that prisons are ineffective at dealing with the root causes of crime and violence and advocate for a justice system based on restorative and transformative practices. The speaker also highlights the need for a justice system that promotes productive human relationships and addresses the societal conditions that lead to violence.

In the final paragraph, the speaker contemplates the possibility of creating a justice system that does not rely on retribution but instead focuses on making human relationships more productive. They acknowledge the absence of such a system in the global north and encourage the use of imagination to create something that has never existed before, suggesting that indigenous communities and restorative justice practices offer glimpses of alternative approaches to justice.