Feminist and former Black Panther Angela Davis continues her legacy as a scholar-activist lending her voice to support the ‘Occupy’ movement that has swept the nation.
“We talk about the importance of building a movement that is inclusive, from recognizing that the unity of the 99 percent must be a complex unity,” Davis said at the Occupy Philly on Friday.
theGrio: Oakland prepares to be Occupy movement epicenter
On Wednesday morning, Davis addressed a crowd of several hundred people in her home city of Oakland, Calif. that had gathered at an intersection near the City Hall. Protesters have proposed a general strike and multiple events, including marches around the city, were scheduled throughout Wednesday.
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Oakland Mayor Jean Quan stated her support for the protest in a press statement.
Davis also visited the location where the ‘Occupy’ protest was born: Zuccoti Park in New York City and Washington Square Park.
“You are re-inventing our political universe,” she said to the crowd.
“You have renewed our collective passion. You reminded us that it is still possible to build vibrant communities of resistance.”
Davis will also be honored at this year’s edition of the BET feature, “Black Girls Rock!” The show broadcasts Sunday. On the red carpet of the event, Davis said that the ‘Occupy’ protests are needed.
“Finally, people are beginning to stand up and are beginning to recognize the extent to which the financial establishment and corporate capitalism are destroying our country,” Davis said.