How Angela Davis Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

How the contributions of Angela Davis continue to shape the world today.

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

1969: The documentary "Angela Davis: Portrait of a Revolutionary" started filming

In 1969, filming started for the documentary "Angela Davis: Portrait of a Revolutionary" directed by UCLA Film School student Yolande du Luart. The documentary captured her life from 1969-1970.

1970: The documentary "Angela Davis: Portrait of a Revolutionary" was filmed

In 1970, the documentary "Angela Davis: Portrait of a Revolutionary" was filmed by UCLA Film School student Yolande du Luart. The documentary captured her life from 1969-1970 and ended before the Marin County incident.

1971: "Woman of the Year" in Time Magazine

In 1971, Angela Davis was listed as "Woman of the Year" in Time Magazine's "100 Women of the Year" edition.

1971: "Angela is Happening" play was written

In 1971, black playwright Elvie Moore wrote the play "Angela is Happening", depicting Angela Davis on trial with figures such as Frederick Douglass, Malcolm X, and H. Rap Brown as eyewitnesses proclaiming her innocence.

1972: Davis depicted in "The Funerals of Togliatti"

In 1972, Angela Davis is depicted in Renato Guttuso's painting "The Funerals of Togliatti", among other figures of communism.

1972: Documentary "Angela Davis: Portrait of a Revolutionary" was directed

In 1972, the documentary "Angela Davis: Portrait of a Revolutionary" was directed by UCLA Film School student Yolande du Luart. It follows Davis from 1969 to 1970, documenting her dismissal from UCLA.

1976: Marlene Warfield's character modeled on Davis

In 1976, the character Laureen Hobbs, portrayed by Marlene Warfield in the movie "Network", appeared to be modeled on Angela Davis.

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2007: Television Interview on Herbert Marcuse

In a 2007 television interview, Angela Davis discussed the influence of Herbert Marcuse, stating that he taught her it was possible to be an academic, an activist, a scholar, and a revolutionary.

2008: Davis became a distinguished professor emerita

In 2008, Angela Davis became a distinguished professor emerita at the University of California, Santa Cruz and Rutgers University, marking a transition in her academic career.

2018: Prada features Davis T-shirt

In 2018, Prada featured a cotton T-shirt with Angela Davis's face on it in their collection.

2019: Davis mural painted in Naples

In 2019, Italian street artist Jorit Agoch painted a mural featuring Angela Davis in the Scampia neighborhood of Naples.

2020: Ms. Davis published in French

In 2020, "Ms. Davis" by Amazing Améziane and Sybille Titeux de la Croix, a graphic biography focusing on Davis's early years and trial, was published in French.

2020: Recognition in Time Magazine

In 2020, Angela Davis was listed as the 1971 "Woman of the Year" in Time magazine's "100 Women of the Year" edition and was also included on Time's list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

2023: Ms. Davis published in English

In 2023, "Ms. Davis" by Amazing Améziane and Sybille Titeux de la Croix, a graphic biography focusing on Davis's early years and trial, was published in English.