Students, staff and local communities gathered Thursday in the Stewart Theatre to hear activist, educator and author, Angela Davis speak about civil and human rights.
During her speech Davis spoke from the rights of individuals to the health care reform to the access of free education. She said movements of ordinary people are the movements that have brought about change.
“We need to go out there and do what it takes to create communities of movement, communities of resistance,” Davis said.
Matt Woodward, a sophomore in applied sociology, said Davis engaged the University community to promote social justice around campus.
“We chose to bring her here for students to hear her talk about social justice and diversity in both the modern and historic light,” Woodward said. “She reached out at the younger generation to get involved.”
Davis is known for being involved in the nation’s social justice as an author of eight books, and was on the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted List” list for criminals in the 1970’s.
Davis said punishment of imprisonment predicated on the fact that people have rights and liberties that can be taken away from them.
“I am in favor of abolishing imprisonment as the primary mode of punishment,” Davis said.
According to a press release the N.C. State College Republicans reject the idea that the University allowed a once Communist Party nominee for Vice-President to come to campus and teach students about civil rights.
Chairman Ches McDowell said the line needs to be drawn when students are forced to support a communist and radical exhibitionist with student fees who advocates for closing the prison system and abolishing American values.
“Angela Davis represents all that is wrong with the leftist mentality of using violence to solve problems, clearly shown when she purchased guns used to kidnap a federal judge and evaded law enforcement numerous times,” McDowell said in a press release. “How the University can support this is beyond me and frankly pathetic.”
Tracy Hipp, a graduate student in psychology said Davis was very empowering.
“The big thing that took me away from Davis’s speech was the importance of building solidarity,” Hipp said. “Youth is looking for a push towards social justice, she’s such a mentor in that sense.”
DeMonica Gentry a sophomore in biological sciences said it is inspirational and enlightening for Davis to be on campus.
“So many people that needed to be here weren’t here and didn’t take advantage from hearing someone that actually lived and made a difference in the freedom struggle,” Gentry said.
Colette Williams, a junior in biochemistry said, “Most of the time we don’t realize other issues until we finally go through it. It is important to keep an open mind.”
Williams said, “She helped us get started on developing a community and inspire to get out there and take care of the issues that need to be taken care of that’s dividing our nation right now.”
