So, you’ve been doomscrolling on your phone for the last three hours. Between memes of cats overthrowing governments and TikToks of people dancing to political debates, you might have noticed a little nudge deep inside your brain: Should I, like, actually care about politics? Enter Angela Davis , the ultimate multitasking queen of activism, intellect, and power suits. Her story is the shot of espresso your inner activist needs.
Angela Davis, a philosopher, academic, and activist, didn’t just stand on the sidelines with a “Someone Should Do Something” sign. No, she did the thing. From her advocacy for civil rights to her stand against mass incarceration, Angela’s journey is proof that one person can bring real change, and look fierce doing it. But what does that mean for you, a Wi-Fi-dependent millennial or Gen Z-er? Don’t worry; we’re breaking this down into bite-sized steps (and yes, with some techy solutions along the way).
Step 1: Research… Like a Boss
Angela Davis didn’t just shout opinions into the void. She studied. She read. She knew her stuff. If you’re going to step into the political ring, you need to do the same. Fortunately, we live in an era where knowledge is literally in our pockets. No, seriously, your smartphone is a political weapon… and not just because you can tweet “#JusticeForAll.”
Start with apps like Pocket or Feedly to save and organize articles about issues you care about. Use Goodreads to find Angela Davis’ books like Women, Race, and Class or Are Prisons Obsolete? and turn your downtime into a crash course on activism. Feeling overwhelmed? Take notes digitally with apps like Notion or Evernote to keep things organized. Angela would approve of your meticulousness.
Step 2: Speak Up (Even If It’s Awkward)
Fun fact: Angela Davis didn’t wake up one morning and become a globally recognized activist. She started by speaking out in smaller spaces. And guess what? You don’t need a megaphone or a protest sign (although those are great too). Sometimes, activism is as simple as posting an informed TikTok or starting a group chat about local issues.
Don’t underestimate the power of your voice. Use platforms like Instagram Stories or Threads to share what you’ve learned. (Pro tip: Add a cute GIF or sticker to keep it approachable!) And if public speaking makes you sweat, ease into it with virtual meeting tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams to practice voicing your opinions among friends.
Step 3: Get Tech-Savvy About Supporting Causes
Angela Davis’ activism wasn’t just about talking; it was about doing. In today’s world, doing often means hitting a few buttons. Want to help fundraise? Platforms like GoFundMe or Patreon make it easy to support causes you care about. Interested in petitioning? Check out Change.org or Avaaz to add your signature to movements that matter.
Oh, and let’s not forget the importance of your Apple Watch or Fitbit. No, really. Track your steps during a protest march or use the reminder feature to nudge yourself to call your representatives. Angela didn’t have this kind of tech back in the day, but she’d probably give you a fist bump for making it work for the cause.
Step 4: Make It Social (In Both Senses)
Angela Davis built communities around shared goals and struggles. You can do the same by turning your activism into a social activity. Invite friends over for a documentary night, streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu have plenty of politically charged films (psst: check out 13th or The Black Power Mixtape).
Prefer to take it offline? Use event-planning apps like Eventbrite to host a letter-writing party or organize a local meetup. And don’t forget to update everyone on your efforts with the ultimate tech accessory: the GoPro. Film your rallies or events to create content that inspires others to join in. Bonus points if you add an epic soundtrack.
Step 5: Be Consistent… But Take Breaks
Let’s face it: activism can be exhausting. Angela Davis’ legacy wasn’t built in a day, and neither will yours. Use wellness apps like Headspace or Calm to recharge your mental batteries. Invest in noise-canceling headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5 to block out distractions while you meditate, or simply vibe to a politically charged playlist on Spotify (might we suggest some Nina Simone or Rage Against the Machine?).
And hey, don’t be afraid to Netflix and chill… literally. Angela Davis herself knows the value of downtime, even if it’s just to gear up for the next round of activism.
The Angela Davis Starter Kit for You
Angela Davis didn’t just fight for what she believed in; she lived it. And while you may not be leading a revolution by tomorrow morning, you can take steps, small but mighty, to make your voice heard. Use the tools you already have (yes, even your slightly cracked iPhone) to learn, organize, and act.
So, the next time you’re scrolling through your feed and wondering if you could make a difference, remember this: Angela Davis was once a regular person too. Well, as regular as you can be while also being a legend-in-training. Now go forth, get politically active, and maybe… just maybe… post that TikTok about dismantling the patriarchy. Angela would totally hit like.
