Angela Davis Biography – Discover the life of Angela Davis, a renowned activist, scholar, and author. Explore her net worth, influential books, education, awards, and legacy in social justice movements.
Angela Davis is an internationally renowned political activist, scholar, and author who has spent decades advocating for social justice and equality. Known for her influential work in the civil rights and prison abolition movements, Davis has been a symbol of resilience and determination. From her early involvement in activism to her celebrated academic career, Davis’s contributions to human rights have left a lasting impact.
Angela Davis Biography: Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Angela Yvonne Davis |
| Date of Birth | January 26, 1944 |
| Age | 80 years old (as of 2024) |
| Education | Brandeis University, University of Frankfurt, UC San Diego, and others |
| Net Worth | $800,000 |
| Books | Women, Race, and Class, Are Prisons Obsolete? |
| Awards | American Book Award, honorary degrees, and others |
| Marital Status | Previously married to Hilton Braithwaite |
| Known For | Activism, Prison Abolition, Feminist Theory, Writing |
Key Takeaways
- Angela Davis is an 80-year-old activist and academic who has been instrumental in fighting for civil rights, prison reform, and social justice.
- She is an accomplished author, having written seminal books addressing race, gender, and systemic oppression.
- Davis has received multiple honors for her lifelong contributions to equity and justice.
Early Life and Education
Angela Davis grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, during a time of racial segregation. Her parents, both educators, emphasized the importance of education and activism. Davis attended Brandeis University, where she studied French and philosophy, later earning a master’s degree and pursuing doctoral studies. She studied under Marxist scholar Herbert Marcuse, who influenced her perspective on systemic injustice.
Activism and Legal Struggles
Davis’s activism in the 1960s and 1970s intersected with the Black Panther Party and the Communist Party USA. In 1970, she became entangled in a controversial legal case involving a courtroom shooting. Her arrest and trial gained international attention, symbolizing the struggle against political repression. After being acquitted in 1972, Davis’s commitment to justice deepened, particularly focusing on prison abolition and civil rights.
Academic Career and Books
Angela Davis’s academic contributions are as significant as her activism. She became a professor emerita at the University of California, Santa Cruz, teaching feminist studies and critical theory. Davis’s books address complex intersections of race, class, and gender.
Notable Works
- Women, Race, and Class
- Are Prisons Obsolete?
- Freedom Is a Constant Struggle
These books are considered essential readings for activists and scholars worldwide.
Personal Life
Angela Davis was briefly married to Hilton Braithwaite in the early 1980s. She does not have children but has mentored countless activists. Her life’s focus has always been the collective fight for justice, equality, and freedom.
Net Worth and Awards
Angela Davis has an estimated net worth of $800,000, largely derived from her books, public speaking engagements, and academic career. She has been honored with numerous awards, including the American Book Award, and has received honorary doctorates from universities worldwide.
Legacy and Influence
Davis’s work has inspired movements across generations. Her focus on systemic change, especially the abolition of prisons, has become a cornerstone of modern social justice efforts. At 80 years old, she continues to advocate for marginalized communities and inspire future activists.
FAQs About Angela Davis Biography
1. What is Angela Davis’s most famous book?
Angela Davis’s Women, Race, and Class is widely regarded as her most influential work.
2. How old is Angela Davis in 2024?
Angela Davis is 80 years old.
3. Was Angela Davis ever married?
Yes, she was married to Hilton Braithwaite in the early 1980s.
4. Is Angela Davis alive?
Yes, Angela Davis is alive and continues her activism and academic work.
5. What are Angela Davis’s contributions to justice?
Her contributions include activism for prison abolition, racial equality, gender rights, and academic writings that have influenced global movements.
