Freedom is a Constant Struggle

Comprehension

Before engaging in critical analysis of Davis’ ideas, we must first make sure we understand what she is saying.

Take the following questions and answer them in your own words. When doing so, try to limit the number of sentences you use and aim to explain these concepts succinctly.

To double-check your work, or if you are truly stuck, you may visit the summary sections that address the question.

1. Organizing 101

   1. What lessons does Davis teach us about building a sustained progressive movement? Consider the day-to-day, the involvement of all related to the cause, and the importance of grassroots organizing.

   2. Davis cautions against a flat political discourse. What does this mean and why is it a problem?

   3. What does Davis teach us about the dangers of idolizing leaders? Provide an example of this in action with Black history.

   4. What does Davis teach us about the importance of remembering history in ways that reflect collective struggle? Provide an example of something we have collectively misremembered.

2. The Black Liberation Movement

   1. How should we view the Civil Rights movement? What are the substantive rights that were fought for then and still being fought for today?

   2. What is the Black radical tradition?

   3. How does Davis talk about police brutality and punishment?

   4. Who was Assata Shakur and why does Davis talk about her?

3. Global Ramifications of the Black Liberation Movement

   1. How are protests in Ferguson, MO, related to Palestinians’ struggle for freedom and self-determination?

   2. What connection does Davis make between the ‘We Charge Genocide’ petition and the Armenian genocide?

4. Palestine

   1. How does police brutality manifest similarly in Palestine and the United States?

   2. What does Davis say about the validity of violence?

   3. What is GS4? How do they perpetuate violence in Palestine and the United States?

5. Feminism

   1. What is feminist methodology? What is it good for?

   2. Apply feminist methodology to the experience of trans women in male prisons.

   3. What is Black feminism?