Freedom Is a Constant Struggle

Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement

By: Angela Y. Davis

Narrated by: Angela Davis, Coleen Marlo

Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's Summary

In these newly collected essays, interviews, and speeches, world-renowned activist and scholar Angela Y. Davis illuminates the connections between struggles against state violence and oppression throughout history and around the world. 

Reflecting on the importance of Black feminism, intersectionality, and prison abolitionism for today's struggles, Davis discusses the legacies of previous liberation struggles - from the Black freedom movement to the South African antiapartheid movement. She highlights connections and analyzes today's struggles against state terror, from Ferguson to Palestine. 

Facing a world of outrageous injustice, Davis challenges us to imagine and build the movement for human liberation. And in doing so, she reminds us that "freedom is a constant struggle." 

©2016 Angela Davis (P)2016 Tantor

Critic Reviews

"Davis's arguments for justice are formidable.... The power of her historical insights and the sweetness of her dream cannot be denied." ( New York Times)

Injustice anywhere is Injustice everywhere

The only struggle I had with this book was with some of the audio edits. It was noticeable when something was recorded later then added in. This was resolved by the last 3 chapters, which--if I can qualify-- triggered the deepest thought and reaction.

Ms. Davis concisely framed a couple of long-wondered questions I had. I come from a family that identifies as white working class. Many of my family members struggle to understand the changing social paradigms in this country and will often make very individualistic comments and criticisms about the deconstructing of things that have long been familiar to them.

I have long struggled to engage these members with mixed success. In this era of Trump, I have realized (and this book affirmed) I need to look beyond the members of my family (whom I love, but cannot always converse with) to the system at large. I need to wonder more about how my work and effort is helping to deconstruct Injustice and inequity while simultaneously reconstruct justice and equity. It's daunting. But as Ms. Davis mentioned several times over (to paraphrase): Who cares if it doesn't happen before I die.We all die. But this system lives on and it MUST change.

Interview and Reading of Several Speeches

I enjoyed this. It contains several very important ideas. I recommend it. Just be aware that it is an interview that was conducted over email (Angela reads out questions and answers) and the rest of the "book" is a voice recording of her reading several speeches she has given around the world in the last few years. That is not a criticism, but it simply means that there is a limit to how much depth any speech can go into as compared to a book. The other thing to know is that most of the topics and points made in these speeches are repeated in the others as well. This doesn't mean that there are not new ideas, but you will soon recognize a familiar set of talking points. I might have imagined that it would be a book BASED on those speeches that was edited to avoid repetition and to allow Angela to go a little deeper into the topics she discusses. This is not the case. She does a good job reading her words and it is a privilege to hear her talk. I don't necessarily agree with everything she says, but I also think she has helped me think harder and change my mind about many important topics related to justice and freedom.

A brilliant listen, far too short.

Angela provides a rare perspective, containing an urgent message requiring action. Her message solidifies transnational solidarity regarding anti-blackness, feminism, anti-militarization and other forms of state-institutional-violence. Through the series of her collected interviews and speeches, one can imagine an overhaul of division, and seek another world in which is possible. Thank you Haymarket, Chicago for making this endeavor a reality.

Brilliant analysis

This timely & brilliant analysis, conveyed through a series of interviews and speeches, provides activists and academics alike substantive conceptions and strategies based on a lifetime of experience, thought, & historical perspective. Angela Davis is a treasure.

Timely, Relevant, Informative Book

Angela Davis weaves so much history into this short but relevant read. This book can serve as a foundation for grounding any social justice work. I only wish she'd write an addendum in light of the most recent presidential election and legislative acts. Highly recommended reading.

The voice of God

Davis hammers home the commonalities in the global struggle for progress. Prison eradication, the proliferation of G4S, and the need for collectivism in the age of individualism are all topics I have taken away from this book.

fabulous!

I am rejuvenated with hope restored. must read for all who are ready. be well!

Eye Opener

Being honest I haven’t been well educated in African/Africa American studies, but this book is an AMAZING start!

A legendary truth teller

Angela Davis expertly weaves together interconnected struggles for freedom, reminding us that the fight is far from over.

I am not alone

All of the things I've been thinking about for the last 30+ years... they're real. I'm grateful that my Canadian colleague pointed me in the direction of Angela Davis... because my family should have... based on my perspectives over the years.

A pioneer still ahead of the times

An honour to listen to Angela Davis use her expertise on today's (or the minute before today's) struggles. From early civil rights action to comprehensive feminist intersectionalism. She shows that previous generations not only can "catch up with the times", but can also move several leaps forward. I wish more intellectuals and activists from her generation could learn from her, update and expand their sense of compassion and freedom. It could do with a newer edition were she can share lectures or essays on the hellish panorama of the past couple of years. We could certainly learn from her what to do next.

Thought provoking

Thought provoking, and has given me much to discuss.

I will definitely read more about the themes she’s discussed.

Angela Davis, Revolutionary!

Every single humans and especially advocate/activist for social justice change must take in this book and the message behind it, if we are ever going to strive for real change.

To be alive in the same era as Angela is a privilege. Let’s learn together.

✊🏻

Queen Angela has spoken

Prof. Angela came with nothing but facts and decades of experience this time round. Highly recommend this to anyone wanting a more contemporary analysis of the necessary historical context in which we must frame our ongoing struggle toward liberation. She also boasts some really galvanising anecdotes to drive home the integral point of this book. Loved it.