Search

Search only in certain items:

Freedom Is a Constant Struggle
Freedom Is a Constant Struggle
Angela Davis | 2015 | Essays, History & Politics
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A good introduction into the intersectionality of worldwide civil rights movements
Angela Davis is one of the most important activists in the past five decades, hence reading any of her essays, interviews or speeches is always essential. And while I think the message of the book important - discussing how to create a global civil rights movement, intersectionality, and making sure not to idolise any one individual - it is slightly haphazardly put together without a narrative thread.

On the other hand, Davis' book is a perfect counterpart to Michelle Alexander's important theoretical book "The New Jim Crow" as "Freedom is a Constant Struggle" is more of a manifesto, with practical advice.

Davis, who was at one point on the FBI 's Most Wanted List, discusses her role and support for the Black Panther Party during the 1960's, as well as global movements such as Palestine, who in turn advised those in Ferguson, Missouri, in how to deal with militarized police tactics. She criticizes companies such as G4S for essentially gaining from corporate punishments, who are notorious across the world.

Ironically, I have always held Davis on a pedestal, and went to see her many years ago during a speech in London. But she does warn against individualism and instead encourages finding common tenets across other civil actions. And while I love her vision of intersectionality, these speeches are far too brief to gauge a full understanding - it may be better to read some of her other works alongside this book. A great insight into a great mind.