News
February 9th, 2025
An Evening and Afternoon with an Ancestor: Angela Davis
On February 4, 2025, Ithaca College hosted “We Are Because They Were: An Evening with a Living Ancestor,” featuring renowned scholar and social justice advocate Dr. Angela Davis. We had the honor of sponsoring the event along with Ithaca College and Southside Community Center. Dr. Davis, a distinguished professor emerita at the University of California, Santa Cruz, is celebrated for her extensive work in feminist studies and the history of consciousness. Her activism spans decades, focusing on issues such as the prison industrial complex, abolition, and the intersections of race, gender, and class. Her notable publications include “Abolition. Feminism. Now.” and “Abolition: Politics, Practices, Promises, Vol. 1.
The evening’s conversation was moderated by Director of Religious and Spiritual Life, Lauren Kelly Benson. She posed pre-submitted questions from the community, guiding discussions on liberation work, activism, community, and individual roles within the collective.
Dr. Davis emphasized the importance of collective action in the pursuit of freedom, highlighting the significant roles of women, especially Black women, and queer individuals in these efforts. She stated, “It’s about recognizing the power, the power that we can generate.”
Reflecting on the current political climate, Dr. Davis discussed the necessity of standing against anti-democratic forces and the importance of continued activism. She remarked, “Our world is always changing; history never stops unfolding.”
The event underscored the profound value of engaging with living ancestors like Dr. Davis. Her experiences and insights serve as a bridge between past struggles and present challenges, offering guidance and inspiration for future generations. Listening to and heeding the wisdom of such figures not only honors their contributions but also equips us with the knowledge and perspective needed to navigate and transform our current societal landscapes.
Time spent with Ithaca’s youth was probably the highlight of her time with us. At Southside Community Center, she shared a warm bowl of vegan chili with a room full of curious teams and activists in the making. She shared stories about the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the first time she held a microphone, what it was like to be in prison, and what she learned along the way. The students posed questions like, how do we start our activism journey and what does activism mean to you. The room was filled with hope, life, and energy. Everyone left feeling empowered and connected.
In a world where the fight for social justice continues, the teachings of living ancestors like Dr. Angela Davis remind us of the enduring power of collective action and the ongoing journey toward liberation.