Renowned activist Angela Davis is set to lend her voice to the new generation of Black feminists at the upcoming Get Free: Black Feminist Reunion in New Orleans, the largest Black feminist conference in the United States. This three-day event will take place from June 5-7, 2025, and aims to inspire and connect the Black feminist community.
A historic gathering
The Get Free conference is inspired by the historic 1973 National Black Women’s Organization conference and promises a rich lineup of panels, discussions, and networking opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to engage with influential speakers, including Davis, who will deliver the keynote address. The event is designed to elevate collective consciousness and foster unity among Black feminists.
Davis: A legacy of activism
Davis has been a prominent figure in the fight for social justice since the late 1960s and early 1970s. Known for her radical feminist views, she was a member of the Communist Party USA and affiliated with the Los Angeles chapter of the Black Panther Party. Her activism gained national attention in 1969, when she was dismissed from her teaching position at the University of California due to her political affiliations, a decision influenced by then-California Gov. Ronald Reagan.
Despite being fired, Davis fought back legally and returned to her position after a judge ruled that her dismissal was unjust. However, she faced further challenges in 1970, when she was terminated again for using what was deemed “inflammatory language” in her speeches.
A lifetime of recognition
During the past five decades, Davis has received numerous accolades for her unwavering commitment to activism. She has been honored with the Soviet Union’s Lenin Peace Prize and was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. In 2020, Time magazine recognized her as its 1971 “Woman of the Year” in a special issue celebrating 100 influential women.
Davis is also a professor emerita of History of Consciousness and Feminist Studies at the University of California. She has authored several influential books, including Abolition. Feminism. Now. and Abolition: Politics, Practices, Promises, Vol. 1. Additionally, she is a founding member of Critical Resistance, an organization dedicated to dismantling the prison industrial complex.
Conference highlights
The Get Free conference will feature a diverse lineup of speakers, including Domonique Morgan, Devin-Norelle, and Shana Griffin. Participants can look forward to engaging discussions on topics such as “Visions of Black Feminist Possibilities” and “How Black Feminism Is Shaping Politics.”
- Event Dates: June 5-7, 2025
- Location: New Orleans
- Keynote Speaker: Angela Davis
- Other Speakers: Domonique Morgan, Devin-Norelle, Shana Griffin
The conference aims to equip participants with essential tools for activism, foster unity, and inspire ongoing collective action. Those interested in attending can register HERE.
