Major Controversies Surrounding Angela Davis: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Angela Davis.

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

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.

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: 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.

1971: CIA estimated Soviet propaganda efforts directed towards Angela Davis campaign

In 1971, the CIA estimated that five percent of Soviet propaganda efforts were directed towards the Angela Davis campaign, showcasing the international attention her case garnered during that time.

January 28, 1972: Garrett Brock Trapnell hijacked TWA Flight 2

On January 28, 1972, Garrett Brock Trapnell hijacked TWA Flight 2. One of his demands was Angela Davis's release, highlighting the high profile of her case at the time.

1972: Jiří Pelikán requested Davis to support Czechoslovakian prisoners

In 1972, Jiří Pelikán wrote an open letter asking Angela Davis to support Czechoslovakian prisoners. Davis refused, stating that "They deserve what they get. Let them remain in prison."

1975: Solzhenitsyn criticized Davis for not supporting prisoners in socialist countries

In 1975, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn criticized Angela Davis for not supporting prisoners in various socialist countries, given her strong opposition to the U.S. prison system, marking a notable ideological clash.

September 10, 1977: Davis spoke to Peoples Temple members in Jonestown

On September 10, 1977, Angela Davis spoke via amateur radio to members of Jim Jones' Peoples Temple in Jonestown, Guyana, expressing support for their anti-racism efforts and claiming a conspiracy against them during the "Six Day Siege".

February 28, 1978: Davis wrote to President Carter regarding Jonestown

On February 28, 1978, Angela Davis wrote to President Jimmy Carter, asking him not to assist in efforts to retrieve a child from Jonestown, calling Jim Jones "a humanitarian".

1991: Davis left the Communist Party USA

In 1991, Angela Davis left the Communist Party USA, founding the Committees of Correspondence for Democracy and Socialism due to disagreements over the party's support of the 1991 Soviet coup attempt.

1995: Davis opposed the Million Man March

In 1995, Angela Davis opposed the Million Man March, arguing that the exclusion of women promoted male chauvinism.

January 21, 2017: Davis was honorary co-chair of Women's March on Washington

On January 21, 2017, Angela Davis was an honorary co-chair of the Women's March on Washington, held the day after President Donald Trump's inauguration. Her involvement drew criticism.

January 7, 2019: BCRI rescinded Davis's Fred Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award

On January 7, 2019, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) rescinded Angela Davis's Fred Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award, citing criticism of her support for Palestinian rights. However, on January 25, the BCRI reversed its decision and issued a public apology.