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Angela Davis Opens Black History Month Celebration at UT
By Donnetta Carter
The Truth Contributor
Angela Davis, the
legendary civil rights activist and women’s advocate, was
the keynote speaker for the Black History Kick Off Luncheon
on Saturday, February 4, 2017 in the Lancelot Thompson
Student Union Auditorium.
Kaye Patten, PhD, senior
vice president for Student Affairs was the organizer of the
event. Both Patten and Sharon Garber, PhD, UT president,
welcomed Davis and the event attendees. The Links, Inc and
the Study Hour Club were sponsors for this annual event.
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Angela Davis, Patricia Hogue, EdD.,
Rhonda Sewell |
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The theme for this year’s
luncheon and Davis’ address was: “The State of Black
America: Views from a Political Activist.”
The program opened with
the singing of the National Black Anthem “Lift Every Voice”
by the UT Gospel Choir and another selection by Ron Hogue.
Davis has been involved in
social justice activism for decades and has been on the
faculty of several universities. During her speech she spoke
about the impact of mass incarceration on the community and
how institutions and private companies profit from the
practice.
She also talked about
President Donald Trump and how he has turned the country
backwards after having been in the Oval Office for only two
weeks. She addressed the irony of Trump’s acknowledgement of
Frederick Douglass as an American icon when Black History
Month opened on February 1.
Everyone enjoyed the soul food luncheon prepared by the
University of Toledo chefs, Jonathan Torok and Peter
Harrigan.
Angela Davis was gracious
to take dozens of photos with numerous guests in attendance.
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