Angela Davis: An Autobiography

The tragedy in reading this book is knowing that at the time of reading it, some 60 years after the events within took place, not much has changed. Even then, this retelling of her struggle for freedom and progress underlined an important aspect of progressive movements. Specifically, that Justice and Accountability require witnesses and champions at every step. It follows then that this autobiography is an eye witness retelling of how bereft the judicial and penal systems are in the way of fairness and offering redemption & rehabilitation. It is also an homage to the champions lost along the way who died fighting for a future they likely knew they would never see. Davis also calls out the necessity for collaboration between social movements in order to sidestep the landmines set for them by detractors. While there is a lot of looking inward, Davis also spares no one in calling out the enemies to quest for justice. I particularly appreciated how she creates a clear definition and measurement on what makes a fascist. Along with how to carry yourself with dignity in the presence of them. Tools we could all use today while facing down countless drones of red hatted zealots. All of these observations are made accessible by Davis’ style and the way in which she sequences events to pull you deeper into her narrative with every page. It’s easy to see how legal dramas from Grisham are influenced by the real court room dramas like Davis experienced. The combination of reality and flow make it hard to put down her story until the very end. Even in the last moments you’re left wanting more.