Challenges in the Life of Angela Davis in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 27, 2025

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Angela Davis's life and career.

Angela Davis is an American political activist, philosopher, academic, and author known for her work in civil rights and social justice. A former member of the Communist Party USA, she advocates for prison abolition, racial equality, and gender equality. She gained prominence in the 1960s and 70s through her involvement in the Black Panther Party and her own activism. Davis faced criminal charges in connection with a 1970 courtroom shooting, leading to a highly publicized trial and her eventual acquittal. She continues to lecture and write on issues of race, class, and gender, remaining a prominent figure in contemporary social and political discourse.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1963: FBI Interview After Communist Festival

In 1963, Angela Davis returned home to a Federal Bureau of Investigation interview regarding her attendance at a communist-sponsored festival.

1963: Birmingham Church Bombing

In 1963, while in Biarritz, Angela Davis learned of the Birmingham church bombing, committed by the Ku Klux Klan, in which four black girls she knew were killed.

September 19, 1969: Fired From UCLA

On September 19, 1969, the Board of Regents fired Angela Davis from her position at UCLA due to her membership in the Communist Party, influenced by California Governor Ronald Reagan.

1969: Hired and Fired at UCLA

In 1969, Angela Davis was hired as an assistant professor of philosophy at UCLA. However, the Board of Regents fired her due to her membership in the CPUSA.

June 20, 1970: Second Firing from UCLA

On June 20, 1970, Angela Davis was fired again from UCLA due to "inflammatory language" used in her speeches. The American Association of University Professors censured the board for this action.

August 7, 1970: Courtroom Takeover in Marin County

On August 7, 1970, Jonathan Jackson took control of a courtroom in Marin County, California, arming black defendants and taking hostages, leading to a shootout with the police.

August 14, 1970: Warrant Issued for Arrest

On August 14, 1970, a warrant was issued for Angela Davis's arrest in connection to the Marin County courtroom takeover. She was charged with aggravated kidnapping and first-degree murder in the death of Judge Harold Haley.

October 13, 1970: Capture by FBI

On October 13, 1970, Angela Davis was found by FBI agents at a Howard Johnson Motor Lodge in New York City after fleeing California as a fugitive. President Richard Nixon congratulated the FBI on capturing "the dangerous terrorist Angela Davis."

1970: PhD Work at UC San Diego

Around 1970, Angela Davis completed some work towards a PhD at the University of California, San Diego; however, she never received the degree due to the FBI confiscating her manuscripts.

1970: Guns Used in Courtroom Takeover

In 1970, guns belonging to Angela Davis were used in an armed takeover of a courtroom in Marin County, California, resulting in four deaths.

1971: Trial for Murder and Kidnapping

In 1971, Angela Davis faced trial for murder and kidnapping, with Margaret Burnham serving as her co-counsel.

1975: Davis was a lecturer at the Claremont Black Studies Center

In 1975, Angela Davis was a lecturer at the Claremont Black Studies Center at the Claremont Colleges. Attendance was limited, and she taught in secret due to concerns from alumni benefactors about her Communist views.