A large crowd filled the Student Union on Monday night, as people from all walks of life gathered to hear Professor Angela Davis speak at Mills College.
The packed Student Union barely had room for people to stand and the doors had to remain open so individuals who were not able to fit into the room could still hear her speak.
As Davis entered the room, her presence was so powerful people took notice as she entered and applauded her.
She prefaced her speech with a confession.
“I have to admit that I am a little nervous because I was not expecting so many familiar faces,” she said explaining later that she is a resident of Oakland and has spoken at Mills on different occasions since the 1970s.
Davis spoke about social justice highlighting such aspects as the prison system, the commercialization of Black History Month and the aftermath of slavery in the legal system.
With the limitation of time, she was unable to touch on all topics she had hoped and briefly summarized what she had hoped to discuss.
Her main focus was on the abolition of prisons, which is also the topic of her latest book Are Prisons Obsolete?
Her tone, mixed with great orator, southern preacher and point blank common sense mixed with sarcasm often produced a mix of “yes!” responses reminiscent of southern churches and chuckles in agreement.
Through the support of historical evidence, Davis presented her theories and solutions with many people on the bandwagon at the conclusion.
“Wow,” said Maria Dominguez, as observers convened at the conclusion of Davis’ speech, “She’s someone who represents transformation.”
Other students were as equally blown away.
“[Tonight was] amazing, phenomenal, educational. It was one of the best nights of my life,” said Ashley Grant.
The large crowd buzzed with excitement in the Student Union until the lights were turned off. Audience members were able to buy Davis’ book from the organization, Critical Resistance, and get the copy signed.
With the inspirational final words of the speech, Davis quoted June Jordan in saying, “We are the ones we have been waiting for” and the buzzing crowd went off into the night.
For more on Angela Davis’ speech and media clips, be sure to keep updated on www.TheCampanil.com.
