Freedom Is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement

I had to read this for one of my classes in college. I felt like it was very intense and only had one point of view. These issues are so important and being polarized while talking about them is not a good idea.

If you remember Angela Davis from the seventies or ever wore one of her "Free Angela" buttons, you will delight in knowing that she is still out there reminding readers of the Black Panthers and their ideas for reforming communities to promote equity. The book is a compilation of several of her speeches given around the country and even internationally. You will find her words inspiring and will end up shaking your head that we are now being thrown back to a system where those that have control the fates of all others. Read the book and then get active!

Brilliant. A life, a BIG life, well lived. We can, particularly at this time,of highly visible (blatant) and deeply historically embedded systems and institutions of grave violence, all heed powerful lessons of organizing, speaking and acting, with an unyielding commitment to the increasingly dire necessity of truth to power. I mean REALLY, if not now, when? If not us, who? Angela digs deep into the depths of the greatest ills that plague us and calls us forward through her immense capacity to articulate the needs of our times through the power of words, stories, examples of the lives of others and her own. Do not read unless you are willing to get uncomfortable and engage in the hard work of attempting to make this a better world.

Excellent work by Angela Y. Davis, one of my favorite authors! Love it and have given it as a gift to friends and family! Not for the timid, this book squarely faces racism, sexism, and politics of capitalist destruction. A must-read for those who care about racism in America, womens issues, and want to do something about these issues!

This text is something every radical, activist, political enthusiast should read! She provides such a robust wealth of knowledge in such a coherent and logical flow in her insights. She expands on the parallels and intersectional relationships of institutions and movements in America and abroad as well as providing historical references that pose those institutions as abstractions of apartheid, slavery and racism. She deconstructs the "individual" as a destructive result of Capitalism and ultimately a dead end for social mobility. Not only does she point out the injustices but she also lays down what she believes needs to be done in this ongoing march to freedom. Remember that the personal is political and the struggle is intersectional so we must all unite for change. Loved it!

This is a great way to introduce yourself with systems of oppression and how they connect globally. It's a quick read, partially because of the interview/essay format. It will leave you with a dozen things to do your own research on and a refreshed desire to do something to make a difference both locally and globally.

Dr. Angela Davis gives us new ways to reimagine abolition and freedom in the constant fight for justice. In the closing pages of the book, she proposing a thought that captures the essence of the entire work. She exposes what the neo-liberal project intends because of the fear of what abolition will actually perform. She completes this statement with: "But what I am saying is that we have to embrace projects that address sociohistorical conditions that enable these acts."

Davis continues to teach, this time in a collection of interviews and speeches from 2013-2015. What she does well as always, is explain concepts and how they are interrelated. She doesn't talk about Ferguson, prison abolition, or even Dr King in a vacuum but links them in a larger framework of struggle, across people's and continents. She also, maybe more importantly gets the reader to dig deeper, study more, and question more.

A somewhat short but very dense text. Make sure you have a dictionary and encyclopedia (or just Google lol) while reading to look -up some of the fancy verbiage and the events and people Ms. Davis references. The format is email correspondence and series of speeches, given over the last few years , so there is some redundancy. Overall, I received some insight on past and more recent event / phenomena centered around global activism and intersectionality

This was such an well written and documented book! I love that Prof. Davis is able to show the connections between so many struggles. I love the example of Palestinian protests giving advice about dealing with tear gas to Ferguson protesters (stay close to the cops because they won't want to spray the gas from a close range because it can get on them). We are all fighting the good fight. This book give me the encouragement I need to keep standing up until I fall.

I had to read this for one of my classes in college. I felt like it was very intense and only had one point of view. These issues are so important and being polarized while talking about them is not a good idea.

If you remember Angela Davis from the seventies or ever wore one of her "Free Angela" buttons, you will delight in knowing that she is still out there reminding readers of the Black Panthers and their ideas for reforming communities to promote equity. The book is a compilation of several of her speeches given around the country and even internationally. You will find her words inspiring and will end up shaking your head that we are now being thrown back to a system where those that have control the fates of all others. Read the book and then get active!

Brilliant. A life, a BIG life, well lived. We can, particularly at this time,of highly visible (blatant) and deeply historically embedded systems and institutions of grave violence, all heed powerful lessons of organizing, speaking and acting, with an unyielding commitment to the increasingly dire necessity of truth to power. I mean REALLY, if not now, when? If not us, who? Angela digs deep into the depths of the greatest ills that plague us and calls us forward through her immense capacity to articulate the needs of our times through the power of words, stories, examples of the lives of others and her own. Do not read unless you are willing to get uncomfortable and engage in the hard work of attempting to make this a better world.

Excellent work by Angela Y. Davis, one of my favorite authors! Love it and have given it as a gift to friends and family! Not for the timid, this book squarely faces racism, sexism, and politics of capitalist destruction. A must-read for those who care about racism in America, womens issues, and want to do something about these issues!

This text is something every radical, activist, political enthusiast should read! She provides such a robust wealth of knowledge in such a coherent and logical flow in her insights. She expands on the parallels and intersectional relationships of institutions and movements in America and abroad as well as providing historical references that pose those institutions as abstractions of apartheid, slavery and racism. She deconstructs the "individual" as a destructive result of Capitalism and ultimately a dead end for social mobility. Not only does she point out the injustices but she also lays down what she believes needs to be done in this ongoing march to freedom. Remember that the personal is political and the struggle is intersectional so we must all unite for change. Loved it!

This is a great way to introduce yourself with systems of oppression and how they connect globally. It's a quick read, partially because of the interview/essay format. It will leave you with a dozen things to do your own research on and a refreshed desire to do something to make a difference both locally and globally.

Dr. Angela Davis gives us new ways to reimagine abolition and freedom in the constant fight for justice. In the closing pages of the book, she proposing a thought that captures the essence of the entire work. She exposes what the neo-liberal project intends because of the fear of what abolition will actually perform. She completes this statement with: "But what I am saying is that we have to embrace projects that address sociohistorical conditions that enable these acts."

Davis continues to teach, this time in a collection of interviews and speeches from 2013-2015. What she does well as always, is explain concepts and how they are interrelated. She doesn't talk about Ferguson, prison abolition, or even Dr King in a vacuum but links them in a larger framework of struggle, across people's and continents. She also, maybe more importantly gets the reader to dig deeper, study more, and question more.

A somewhat short but very dense text. Make sure you have a dictionary and encyclopedia (or just Google lol) while reading to look -up some of the fancy verbiage and the events and people Ms. Davis references. The format is email correspondence and series of speeches, given over the last few years , so there is some redundancy. Overall, I received some insight on past and more recent event / phenomena centered around global activism and intersectionality

This was such an well written and documented book! I love that Prof. Davis is able to show the connections between so many struggles. I love the example of Palestinian protests giving advice about dealing with tear gas to Ferguson protesters (stay close to the cops because they won't want to spray the gas from a close range because it can get on them). We are all fighting the good fight. This book give me the encouragement I need to keep standing up until I fall.

I decided to pick this book because of angela davis. I wanted to know who she was. This book is mediocre at best. Although she does highlight a lot of issues within the black community there are other books that off6sr the same info.

This is an excellent book. It's thought provoking, insightful and a must have for any activist, organizer and social justice advocate. It provides the reader with a peek into one of the most brilliant and compassionate minds of our time.

I loved the fact that Angela presented some crucial history on the movement both from her experience and as she sees it evolving or not evolving now. Her insight and deliberate opinions on how she sees the state of our political structure is worth the read from beginning to end.

I enjoyed this collection of essays and perspectives from Miss Angela Y Davis. Very eye opening, very validating, putting all the words I couldn’t muster up, together.

After all these years, Angela Davis is still a great leader and teacher -- and, after having been on the FBI's most wanted list, it's a miracle she is still alive and doing such great work. I heard her speak in Flint during the Poisoned Water Crisis, and she tied current events to her own history, bringing in today's US struggles around Black Lives Matter and the Palestinian-Israeli anti-apartheid battles. It is powerful to see the intersectionality of our justice work laid out so simply. The book is a collection of short interviews and speeches, but I didn't feel it suffered from that. The format gave me a chance to reflect on each offering before moving on.

I am almost finished reading it and recommended it on the Black Feminist Reader facebook page.

An amazing and cohesive collection of Miss Davis' speeches, writings and interviews that clearly express her life's work and mission. I found it inspiring and extrnelely encouraging. A must read.

Every reader need this book in their collection

Clearly and concretely outlines how Palestine struggle is directly related to immigration issues, and the black lives matter movement. It is not a complicated read, which I truly appreciate. because it is them more accessible to everyone.

My hometown girl is a prolific writer, orator and activist

Great read

An excellent compilation of essays on intersectionality, collectivism, and creating a progressive and effective movement. Davis' work is a must read.

filled with important information. i'm so saddened that this was published in 2013, and it's 2017 and we're dealing with the same conflicts still.....

Compelling and engaging. Strong arguments and many great points made, especially around solidarity and feminism. Davis has a great way of seeing the world and sharing this with the reader.

A must read for every single human being!

This was a decent read but IMO it wasn't some of Davis' best work. I had high expectations going into this book but it was worthy of 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

This book artfully creates the parallels I needed to better understand human rights in the world around us: racism, gender discrimination, intersectionality. It also pushed me not to forget the struggle for freedom in Palestine. I’m a better person for reading this.

Such a great book. Really puts in to perspective the history of the the struggles and how each struggle relates to each other.

must read for a better World

Great read. Recommend.

Very informative

Excellent thanks so much very excited to read this book now.

One of many books on my daughter's booklist.

Honestly this book I feel can help anyone regardless of their education level or experience being involved in pushing forward the cause for freedom. I was lucky enough to have heard Angela Davis speak and it was humbling to hear her opinions match what she encourages in her book. She speaks with a purpose with every word, and she does it to help anyone willing to listen, to learn. Much appreciation Angela Davis ✊🏾

this was a difficult book at times, hurtful and relevant. Grateful to know learn the History I was to effort-fully shielded from, well written. love her voice!

Very cheap and good new quality.

If Angela Davis does not inspire you, you're dead inside. Period.

All was great

Excellent! Angela Davis remains on the cutting edge of movements focusing on liberation and social justice for the oppressed.

Good read

Angela Davis could and would be welcomed at the formation of this country,and what a glorious country this would have been.

Davis never disappoints. Well crafted essays on progressive issues

My friend loved this as a gift.

"All Power to the People" and definitely to Angela Y. Davis, a sister like no other!

Great

A must read.

This is a great book. It contains a variety of Davis's recent speeches and interviews; thus, it can seem a little repetitive at times, but it held my attention throughout. The repetition also comes from her connecting all these movements and struggles that seem unrelated, but they're very much related through capitalism, imperialism, punitive systems, "security" systems, and privatization of institutions. I've learned a lot about intersectionality through this book and Davis's discussions. It has allowed me to look critically and deeply at social aspects around me.

Eloquent!

FREEDOM IS A CONSTANT STRUGGLE and until we understand that we will lose our Freedom. Just look what is happening today - we cannot fall asleep at the wheel - once we begin there is so much to do.

as described, in good shape, thanks

The context is so vast and depthful, offering and connecting the human struggle in the most concrete, global and intellectual manner there is.

Highly Recommend!

Great read. Great reference.

A very enlightening read

this might be the best book i've read this year, and i'm kicking myself that i've only just now read it!

A+

I'm definitely glad I bought this book.

good book

Stoked!

Inspiring.

Interview style but good read

Very profound

Important right now.

Amazing and inspiring book for anyone who wants to learn more about this movement.

Angela is a great writer and great mind.

Always love Angela

Great read!

Freedom Is a Constant Struggle, Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement by Angela Y. Davis, published in 2016. I first heard of Angela Davis when I was living in California and she was criticized by then Governor Ronald Reagan. This book is a collection of interviews and speeches by Davis. Read it if you want more information about why Colin Kaepernick refused to salute the flag during the playing of our national anthem. I recommend the book. Our prisons are a means of controlling people of color and also a source of profit to the prison-industrial complex. "The global prison-industrial complex is continually expanding as can be seen from the example of G4S*. Thus, one can assume that its profitability is rising. It has come to include not only public and private prisons (and public prisons, which are more privatized than one would think, are increasingly subject to the demands of profit) but also juvenile facilities, military prisons, and interrogation centers. Moreover, the most profitable sector of the private prison business is composed of immigrant detention centers. One can therefore understand why the most repressive anti-immigrant legislation in the United States was drafted by private prison companies as an undisguised attempt to maximize their profits." *GS4 operates prisons around the world and is the 2nd or 3rd largest private employer in the world after Walmart.

Angela Davis continues to inspire me. Like the others, this book does not disappoint. I found myself highlighting every few pages and nodding. I found myself holding back from applauding out loud (While I was on a plane) as she addressed some serious issues we activists are fighting for today. The first book I read of Angela's catapulted me into activism and she continues to build the passion for social change with every book.

great book and clearly a good history lesson.

informing and inspirational. Dr. Davis provides factual information that increases my awareness of the need for global activism.

Important

Great read!

Davis is an amazing and appealing writer; always righteous!

Compelling, motivating read.

Davis never let's me down.

Great book, great insights from Angela Davis

Necessary!

Wonderful book that from an inspiring activist. Great compilation of essays and speeches. Highly recommend if you are interested in making your activism intersectional.

If you are familiar with Angela Davis, then you know that she keeps it real and tells it like it is. This book is one that sheds light on issues of freedom all around the world. If one is not abreast to what is going on all over the world as it pertains to governments vs. The People, this book is one that does a good job of highlight issues that are similar to the people all over the world. Great pickup!

queen.

Excellent, superb, educational, powerful.

Quite repetitive to read, so expect to read slowly if you want to absorb all the good stuff. The discussion about intersectionality is what impressed me the most.

Great read and a good detailed writer, this is what I look for in a book.plus sometimes I just like the feel of a real book compaired to Kindle

Book was great Angela Davis is a deep woman her books give you lots to think about on many different levels

Great Book I have gained great incite into to movement.

Great book..

As always great read by Angela Davis. Really informs of the connections between Ferguson and Palestine and how with the connections the world has economically the world is also connected in the struggles for freedom and justice

This was a gift. So far I'm told good book.

great book fast!

Good easy read. All young people should read this. I love Angela Davis!

Perfect read

If you want to understand anything happening politically, just read Angela Davis.

Yessssss

Her language is intoxicating and she is an incredible speaker. While this book contains her original words and ideas, it really is not “her book” but rather an anthology of ten speeches over a two/three year period. The person who selected these pieces tried to select a range of topics, but their proximity in the time originally presented contains a lot of repetition. This could be good for broadening one’s schema of the concepts explored, but after the first seven chapters it became blurring. A wider time range would, for me, have been more effective in showing the transcendence of the themes.

This book has some interesting pieces but the analogy Davis draws between "Ferguson" and Palestine is farfetched. She does not know much about or understand Middle Eastern history and politics , and hence her analysis is deeply flawed and actually offensive to anyone who cares about the future of the Jewish state and peace in the region. Also she ignores her own far from heroic youth years when she was paraded by the utterly corrupt and authoritarian Soviet government as a hero, while refusing to speak on behalf of Soviet political prisoners. That conduct of hers diminishes her moral stature in my view. I lived there when she came to Moscow and knew how the democratic/dissident movement in Russia was hoping she would speak on behalf of its incarcrated comrades, but she refused. That was not a "politically correct" cause. Her membership in the Communist Party USA did not allow her to do that. Given that, I cannot see her as a moral hero, C. West & D. Tutu notwithstanding. One either has to defend all innocent prisoners/victims of state oppression or get of one's high horse...

A fantastic new book by Angela Davis focusing on the global struggle and the need for every movements fighting for social justice to work hand in hand. A very powerful book with some in depth analysis in regards to black feminism, intersectionality, Palestine and the Black Lives Matter movement. Read it, to learn and become a better person/activist.

In Freedom Is A Constant Struggle, Angela Davis invites the reader to participate in important discourse covering a range of different subjects in relation to the struggle for freedom. The text is short and sweet. The reader, however, shouldn’t expect to find the answers to all the world’s problems. Rather, through a collection of interviews, speeches, and articles, Davis offers thought-provoking questions, almost to the point that the reader feels involved in the conversation. Davis is nothing, if not remarkable, in her ability to help the readers understand the complexity of issues and concepts that she presents. She helps the reader identify the ways in which our lives and issues intersect, causing the reader to examine her own life, her own perspective. Of course, racism is a constant theme. Davis explains the error of thinking that racism was over after certain monumental events such as the first black president, eradication of the legal apparatus with the Civil Rights Era, or even with the Emancipation Proclamation and ensuing end of slavery. She argues that racism is much more expansive and persists in a much more complex framework. People too often assume that racism comes from individual actors, when in reality is “deeply embedded in the apparatus”. Davis argues that, in order for substantial change to ever take place in regards to racism in America, there would need to be a call to develop a vocabulary that permits insightful conversation. Davis’ words ring true here as using the same language consistent with history, we can surely expect the same confusion and lack of understanding that has been alarmingly and consistently present. Davis doesn’t hesitate to tie in some of the more recent incidents, particularly those involving black slayings at the hands of police. Mike Brown, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, Freddie Gray, Tamir Rice; the list goes forever on. There is often an overwhelming response to protest the assailant’s innocence. However, Davis invites us to challenge this premise. Would it really make much of a difference if these individuals were indicted? Probably not. Systemic change is needed if we want real change. We cannot be satisfied with individual actions. Davis follows up on the mistake of credit and blame being placed on individuals. When we think of slavery abolition, we often give credit to Abraham Lincoln. We tend forget about the freed slaves who fought for their own freedom. When we think about the Civil Rights Era, we give credit to Martin Luther King, Jr. We forget about the large amounts of organizers and protesters that made so much possible. In reflection, we make this error quite frequently in America. Giving all of the credit to individuals for large movements takes away from these efforts as a whole. It also encourages the messiah concept, where the oppressed wait for an individual to save them from their current situations. This idea in itself can most definitely discourage people from fighting and organizing for themselves. A concept generally pushed throughout the book is one that most Americans might find difficult to grasp, prison abolition or decarceration. Davis invites us to ask general questions about our preconceived notions: What makes a person bad? What is crime? Does it make sense to send so many people to prison? Prison is supposed to rehabilitate and make violent offenders less violent, right? According to Angela Davis, prison is an extremely violent place and only perpetuates more violence. People don’t go to prison and come out rehabilitated. They usually come out worse. More violent. It is quite the phenomenon that, despite so much evidence, Americans are so wont to adhere to the crisis of mass incarceration. Davis suggests that, to start, we try to reimagine a society without prisons. One of the more polarizing subjects regularly discussed, is that of Assata Shakur. Shakur was recently, after nearly 40 years in Cuban exile, placed on the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorist List. Typical of Davis, she invites the reader to ask questions: Why, after all of these years, was she designated a terrorist? Let alone, one of the top 10 terrorists in the world? What does the word terrorist even mean? As for the question of motive, Davis believes that she could have been added to the list as a threat to the generation of Shakur’s grandchildren. The FBI wants to scare and warn young black people against standing up, against considering any kind of revolution. History appears to back Davis on this matter. Black lives have always mattered less in America; specifically, when considered in relation to police or government lives. Police are rarely punished for harming or taking a black life, even when their actions are overwhelmingly reckless or when they blatantly go against police policy. On the other hand, if a black person kills, or is even accused of killing a police officer, they are demonized beyond redemption. In the case of Assata Shakur, one can easily look at the description of the alleged terrorists she is listed with, and realize that she has nothing in common with them. She has been largely dormant, in matters related to America or militancy and has never been convicted of anything related to terrorism. The idea in itself that the FBI can place Assata Shakur such a list is outrageous. It is surprising that more have not spoken out up to this point. If I could provide friendly critique of Freedom Is A Constant Struggle, I would say that the collection of interviews and speeches often left me desiring more from Davis. While mentioning Assata Shakur briefly in several different sections of the book, the information presented is often redundant and repetitive. The same could be said about many of the issues and topics covered in the book. Davis is so adept at interweaving and intersecting so many different ideas and issues, that it often left me desiring more. Perhaps, an extended essay on Assata instead of briefly mentioning her in 4 or 5 different speeches could have more of a lasting impact. Friendly critique aside, Angela Y Davis is legendary in her ability to make all things matter, regardless of who you are.

So Angela Davis discusses in her book(s) the “...struggles against state violence and oppression throughout history and around the world...” Ms. Davis twice ran for vice president on the ticket of the Communist Party USA and for decades was a loyal advocate of the governments in the Soviet bloc. Tell me how much attention she gives to the “state violence and oppression” in that part of history and the world

I originally read (and listened with the Audible version) this book for a class I enrolled in, and I've been an Angela Davis fan for a number of years, but hearing this in her own voice was just astonishing. She speaks with such conviction and purpose - I only hope that I can someday reach that level of authenticity in my own speaking.

Dr. Davis continues to lead the way in the ever changing field of social justice. Her views and opinions are based soundly in her sense of history and intersectional stories. She connects the dots of prejudice and bias. A true intellectual giant.

Ferguson??? Really???? Ferguson....Where a young man performed a strong armed robbery, was stopped by a police officer and attempted to rip the officer's gun from his holster??? Ferguson??? That's where freedom is a constant struggle???? FERGUSON??? Get a life!

Angela Davis is a magical talent that can provide us with an intellectual reasoning in a universal context. This book is so great because she has been able to live through the civil rights movement and is now witnessing the resurgence of that movement. Her experience with organizing and formulating plans of action are insightful for the youth today. Angela's emphasis on intersectionality is important, especially in today's world. Our struggles are connected. Freedom is everybody's right. This fact is important as we continue to organize today. Her ability to pull all sides together make Angela Davis one of a kind. Leadership requires the ability to see the bigger picture and she gets that. The power of women is another major point Angela makes in these interviews, essays, and speeches. She is able to keep her points clear and concise with consistency. Her information is organized and it's never too much to handle. This book will serve as a strong guide for organizing and understanding how deep the struggle for freedom is.

The book is not that motivating to me as an individual from Palestine. Though there are some inspirations. To begin with, the freedom of any country is its most crucial project. Without a project, you can not reflect the occupation. Trying will always yield something..like in the case of Palestine it yields FRAGMENTS OF LAND!

Next up in #feminism and #socialjustice reading: this gem. It's a collection of interviews with and speeches by Davis, and it shows what an intelligent, collective-thinking person she is. She makes connections from Palestine to prison and terrorism to capitalism with such clarity. I think this book should be accessible to anyone with a basic understanding of intersectionality.

As can be expected, Davis delivers! She connects the dots, bringing intersectionality into the international arena. For those frustrated by a seemingly over-focus on domestic policies, or confused about how they connect up to the struggles in other countries, this book is for you. Leave it to her to coin yet another phrase - "the intersectionality of struggles." We need to see how Palestine relates to what occurred in Ferguson (& continues to occur in Black & Brown communities), how war crimes relate to police murder, how imperialism relates to the underdevelopment of poor U.S. communities.

Thought provoking, inspiring, infuriating. Angela Davis is a visionary whom everyone should get to know. If you care about justice, if you care about equality, if you care about humanity, read yourself some Angela Davis.

Thought provoking, relevant, and timely. Angela eloquently weaves together seemingly independent social movements into one coherent cry for liberation and justice.

A collection of in depth interviews, conversations and talks. Dr. Angela Y. Davis provides the reader with so much needed information. Every person should read this book.

Amazing read and well worth the time

Amazing book, really good insight. 10/10

Love Angela Davis's politics, but found this particular book repetitive and lacking in deep analysis. I saw her speak in November and was moved to buy it and read it, but found myself feeling as if each chapter except the last basically repeated her same premise.Her perspective on intersectionality is refreshing, but no mention of environmental degradation and how that is the ultimate example of intersectionality.

great book!

Very pathetic book. However, what can you expect from required reading from a social justice studies class...

I would prefer not to review.

What a historical perspective of social justice issues. Having been in Ferguson and Palestine many times each, Angela's comments ring so true. For many of us who endure allegations of anti-semitism for merely being critical of the horrific Israeli actions toward Palestinians, Angela's steadfast solidarity is deeply appreciated!

A collection of interesting essays and speeches covering a wide range of issues. A really good read and introduction to Angela Y. Davis

An interesting but all too short book. I just wish she had gone into more depth as it is a fascinating theme and one that is only too relevant.

What an incredibly soul-provoking read, with intellectually brilliant arguments. Couldn't recommend more highly.