Davis is a longtime advocate for prison abolition and a Distinguished Professor Emerita at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She’s spent decades challenging systems of mass incarceration and conversations around class, race, gender, and sexuality.
During the discussion, which occurred over Zoom, scholars engaged Davis in topics ranging from political systems to art and creativity. The discussion created space for students to reflect on their own lived experiences and academic work while engaging directly with one of the most influential voices in social justice scholarship.
“The opportunity to engage directly with someone of Angela Davis’ stature is invaluable for our scholars,” said Geoff Ostrove, Communication instructor at Cal Poly Humboldt. “These conversations validate the work our students are doing and affirm that their voices, questions, and experiences belong in the broader academic and political discourse.”
The Pelican Bay Bachelor’s Program is one of the first B.A. programs in the state to be taught in person on a Level IV yard (a high-security facility). It was also the first in the nation to receive Pell grant funding under the latest federal policy.
In addition to Davis’ visit, scholars in the program have hosted a range of guest speakers, including Media studies scholar Whitney Phillips; author and communication professor Damon Pfister; attorney and author Dean Spade; filmmaker HLT Quan; co-founder of the re-entry and housing non profit, Constructing our Future, Michelle Jones; and author Elizabeth Nelson. Upcoming visits from Garrett Felber, Dylan Rodriguez, and Jeff Chang are scheduled, continuing the program’s commitment to bringing leading scholars and activists into meaningful dialogue with students. Pelican Bay scholars also engage with other students and community leaders in the form of debates and presentations.
View previous student presentations or debates at the Project Rebound website.