The Event Program

• Movie presentation of Free Angela and all Political Prisoners

  Free Angela is a gripping historic account of the events that catapulted a young University of California philosophy professor into a controversial political icon in the turbulent late 1960’s. Angela Davis joins the Communist Party, protests with the Black Panthers, and becomes a principle spokesperson for the burgeoning prison reform movement. As a result, she finds herself Fighting to keep her job, and in the national media spotlight characterized by her many detractors as a dangerous subversive menace, and by her supporters as a strong leader challenging authority and boldly advocating for “Power to All People.” So on August 7th, 1970, when Angela is implicated in the politically motivated kidnapping and murder of a judge in a brazen daylight shootout at the Marin County, CA courthouse, the nation wonders and Newsweek magazine asks: “What would prompt the daughter of the black bourgeoisie to take a desperate turn to terrorism?” Angela flees California, convinced she will not be given a fair trial and is placed on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list. After a national manhunt she is captured two months later in New York City. Charged with murder, kidnapping and conspiracy, Angela is put on trial in one of the most sensational court cases of its time. After a two-year legal battle, an all white jury acquits her on all charges in 1972. It’s an edge-of-your seat thriller told for the first time by Angela and others who lived through the events firsthand. The interviews recount the politics that led her to challenge authority and spur a worldwide movement for her freedom that cemented Angela Davis, and her signature Afro hairstyle, as an iconic symbol of this still relevant political and social movement — the right to challenge the system. Free Angela is a must see documentary! A candid and powerful account of the tumultuous times and a woman who challenges a society that is afraid of all that she represents. Filled with elements of intrigue, suspense and conspiracies, the film delivers by empowering and inspiring diverse international audiences with its message of hope and redemption. You know her name. Now, you will finally know her story. Follow the conversation on Twitter! #FreeAngela

• Introduction

  In an era with unprecedented inequality and levels of incarceration, the Point Breeze Organizing Committee, has joined others in Philly, in calling on our generation to take up the unfinished business of the Civil Rights Movement. Join us this evening to learn about Angela Davis, a radical freedom fighter who’s story gives us insight as to what we’re up against and inspiration to carry on the struggle.  Following the film there will be a panel discussion with Philly-based Organizers (see more below).

  Event Info

  Angela Davis was a freedom fighter who was targeted for criminal prosecution because of her liberatory political work and affiliations.  She was ultimately found, “not guilty” however the experience, which included being chased by the FBI, and put in prison, led her to put Prisoner rights and the abolition of the Prison Industrial Complex at the heart of her continuing work.  In that spirit, the Point Breeze Organizing Committee is excited to host a panel of organizers from different respective struggles, so we can draw out some of the connection between the Criminal Justice System, Prison Industrial Complex, and Political Struggle, and use that knowledge to deepen our understanding and build our shared struggle.

  The panel will feature:

  Theresa Shoatz, Campaign to Free Russell Maroon Shoatz

  Mia-lia Kiernan, 1 Love Movement

  A rep from Decarcerate, PA