Davis speaks on blues legacy

Political activist Angela Davis was welcomed with a standing ovation last night as she addressed an impassioned and diverse crowd about the legacy of blues music and the relationship between blues and feminism.

Davis spoke about the inspirations behind her new book, "Blues Legacies and Black Feminism," which interprets the meanings and feminist significance behind the works of three artists: Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday.

"A lot of people have asked me why I decided to write about music ... We have to think creatively about histories, or at least histories that are meant to be hidden - that are meant to be invisible," Davis said.

Davis said that although some people discredit the blues because it centers on sexuality, the genre was a source of empowerment and freedom for the female blues singers.

Davis said that after reading W.E.B. DuBois' work, "it occurred to me that maybe sex was a realm in which people who had been enslaved for centuries had palpable evidence of their freedom ... The openness in which sexuality was expressed in the blues is about that freedom."

Davis, a professor in the History of Consciousness Department at the University of California at Santa Cruz, is an internationally known activist and scholar. She was removed from her teaching position in 1969 because of her social activism and involvement in the communist party. She was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list for charges of murder, kidnapping and criminal conspiracy in 1970. She has written five books, including "Angela Davis: An Autobiography" and "Women, Race and Class."

"I think that she touches on a lot of issues that are relevant in today's society concerning women," LSA junior Kennetha Clark said.

Davis said the blues provided strength and inspiration to black women.

"They all sing about women who are powerful, who are independent, who make decisions about their own lives. ... It's important for us to recognize that there are multiple sources of black feminism," she said.

Many audience members traveled from as far as Detroit last night to hear Davis speak, filling the East Hall Auditorium beyond its capacity.

Davis is active in the movement to abolish prisons. She spoke about the current expansion of the prison industry and the need to re-evaluate society's treatment of prisoners as well as examine the amount of money spent on the welfare system.

"The word prison is mentioned, and fear begins to take over," Davis said. "I think we need a new movement; I think we need a new radical movement."

Davis also stressed the importance of recognizing the "connection between doing the historical research and the kind of political challenges that face us today."

Audience members said they were impressed by Davis' presentation.

"I was very enlightened by her speech ... As a speaker, she's phenomenal. The thing is, she can touch a lot of people," said Kermit Harris, a senior at Eastern Michigan University. Harris said that although he did not agree with Davis' views on the prison system, "she's a constantly thinking woman."

Davis' speech was sponsored by Shaman Drum Bookshop and the Center for Afroamerican and African Studies. Her speech was followed by a Q&A period and a book signing.

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