Angela
Davis
Professor Angela Y. Davis is known internationally for her ongoing
work to combat all forms of oppression in the U.S. and abroad. Over the
years, she has been active as a student, teacher, writer, scholar, and
organizer; she is a living witness to the historical struggles of the contemporary
era. Davis' political activism began as a youth in Birmingham, Alabama.
In 1969 she came to national attention after being removed from her teaching
position at UCLA (see below) as a result of her social activism and her
membership in the Communist Party.
In 1970, she was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List on false
charges; she was accused of planning an alleged kidnapping of three San
Quentin prisoners and supplying the gun that killed four people during
the incident. She was incarcerated on charges of murder, kidnapping and
conspiracy, and was the subject of an intense police search that drove
her underground and which culminated in one of the most famous trials in
recent history. A massive, international "Free Angela Davis"
campaign led to her acquittal in 1972. Harnessing the momentum of that
campaign, she co-founded the National Alliance Against Racism and Political
Repression, which continues its work today.
Professor Davis has lectured in all 50 states, as well as in Africa,
Europe, the Caribbean and the former Soviet Union. She is the author of
five books.
Memorandum
To: All Faculty
From: Ronald Reagan, Governor
Date: June 19, 1970
This memorandum is to inform everyone that, through extensive court
cases and rebuttals, Angela Davis, Professor of Philosophy, will no longer
be a part ot the UCLA stalf. As head of the Board of Regents, I, nor the
board will not tolerate any Communist activities at any state institution.
Communists are an endangerment to this wonderful system of government that
we all share and are proud of. Please keep in mind that in 1949 it was
reaffirmed that any member of the Communist Party is barred from teaching
at this institution.
Cordially,
Ronald Reagan Ronald Reagan, Governor
Angela Davis: An Autobiography. Angela Davis: pg 379. "The Case
of Angela The Red" Time. October 17, 1969.
Channel 45 6:00pm News
August 24, 1970
Tom: "Today's top story: Twenty six year old Angela Davis, the
once political philosopher at UCLA who was fired because of her affiliation
with the Communist Party USA, was linked to the Marin County Courthouse
shootout earlier this week. Jonathan Jackson, a young follower of Davis,
and his brother George were both killed in the incident. The horrible incident
began when Jonathan entered the courthouse and opened fire in the attempt
to free "The Soledad Three". Three of the guns used in the killings,
namely a .380 cal. Browning automatic pistol and two .30 cal. Plain field
carbines were all registered to Ms. Davis. We have Lisa Cornwaller in California
with Governor Reagan. Lisa..."
Lisa: "Thanks Tom. Governor Reagan would you consider Angela Davis
dangerous?"
Reagan: "Yes, she is a Communist."
Lisa: "Tell me Governor, How did the police department determine
the guns used in the Marin County Massacre were all registered to Angela
Davis?"
Reagan: "Simple, she was a Communist."
Lisa: "Governor, it had been rumored that one of the weapons used
was in fact a weapon recovered in an earlier raid that was never returned
to Angela Davis. Is this true?"
Reagan: "Is Angela Davis a Communist?"
Lisa: "Thanks Governor. Back to you Tom."
Tom: "The search for Angela Davis is still on. If you or anyone
you know has any contact with her at all, please call your local police
department. Ms. Davis is said by the FBI to be armed and dangerous."
"The Professor's Guns" Time. August 24, 1970. Angela Davis:
An Autobiography. Angela Davis: pg 6.
WANTED
Angela Davis
For her participation in the Marin County Courthouse shootout. She
has been charged with kidnap, conspiracy, and murder.
This woman has been known to be a member of the Communist Party. She
is also a known Maoist. She has been known to associate with the Black
Panther Party. Also, she was the gun runner for the B.P.P.
African America: Portrait of a People. Kenneth Estell: pp 56-57.