“Capitalism is always about racism,” Angela Davis explains
Angela Davis, an American political activist, and philosopher, spoke at Alameda High School on April 19, addressing and advocating for numerous causes as a voice for minorities. She spoke about racism against the black community, capitalism, education, and more.
Davis received an overwhelming amount of support from the largely diverse audience ranging from ethnic groups, age groups, and gender identities.
As audience members fueled Davis with questions, sent in via a Google form, Davis sat among a group of students from Alameda High’s Black Student Union, thoughtfully answering both serious and lighthearted questions.
When asked “What role does education play in fostering a more equitable society?” by Naomi Abraham, co-president of Alameda High’s BSU, Davis responded, “We can’t have a more equitable society if education isn’t available to everyone.”
Davis questioned not only the accessibility of education but the nation of education as well. Using critical race theory as an example, Davis explained people are scared of ideas that circulate in areas where people are trying to learn.
“The critical race theory sometimes allows us to understand the problematic nature of US law.” Davis stated, “All men are created equal? They weren’t even talking about men; anyone who understood that knew they were talking about white men.”
Davis proceeded to elaborate on our government, history, and systems, knotting together capitalism to racism.
“Without these historical moments, such as slavery, global capitalism as we know it today would not exist.” Davis emphasized, “So, capitalism is always about racism, and racism is always about capitalism.”
“It was a very connecting event because we don’t get a lot of speakers like that these days, like civil rights activists,” stated junior volunteer Gavin Mannina. “Her views on capitalism were interesting too. She was like: capitalism is bad; no more capitalism. She was a lot older than I expected too.”
Even at 80 years old, Davis continues to relentlessly fight for causes. The speaker event was very fulfilling for all in attendance.
Despite the heavy topics covered, occasional innocent questions kept a light atmosphere throughout the auditorium. When questioned whether or not a hotdog was a sandwich, Davis responded whilst laughing, “I’m vegan.”
“When she [Davis] said it wasn’t only Martin Luther King who caused the civil rights movement but the people too, it was eye opening,” said audience member Valentina Huynh. “Angela Davis brought to light it wasn’t just him but the people too and I realized it was a collective effort to make change happen.”
To close out the event, Davis expressed that change within our community didn’t come from only one person, but our people, our communities, coming together in order to make an impact.
Davis inspired and touched the hearts of many with resonating words that penetrated deep. As she shared personal experiences from her childhood dealing with blatant racism to her unwavering beliefs that remain over the years, the event served as an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience for many.