Angela Davis is an activist, professor, and scholar who has advocated for prison reform, women's rights, racial equity, and LGBTQ+ rights for many years. In the early '70s, Angela became an international symbol of resistance when she was tried and later acquitted for her alleged connection to a courtroom shootout that killed four people. She spent 18 months in jail before being found not guilty on all charges. During this time, the chant "Free Angela!" was adopted by activists who argued that Angela was a political prisoner and unfairly targeted because of her activism. After being acquitted, Angela returned to teaching and writing and later published "Women, Race, & Class," which explores intersectional inequities related to gender, race, and class. Today, Angela continues to inspire others and speak out about various social issues.
