Angela Davis, a legendary activist, scholar, and author, is delivering the keynote speech at a major event called Get Free: A Black Feminist Reunion. This three-day gathering is happening right now in New Orleans. It is expected to be the biggest Black feminist event in the U.S., with more than 500 people attending. The event focuses on building movements, training advocates, political education, and healing.
Organized by Black Feminist Future, the gathering started on June 5 and will run through June 7. Paris Hatcher, executive director of Black Feminist Future, told The Washington Informer, “This is not just a conference to dress up and have a good time. We’re building power to address the conditions that are putting our lives at risk — whether that’s policing, reproductive injustice, or economic inequality.”
Largest Black Feminist Gathering in New Orleans Highlights Movement Building
This year’s theme, Get Free, continues a long tradition of radical Black feminist organizing. The roots trace back to the 1973 National Black Women’s Organization conference. This history shows the deep legacy of Black feminist activism.
Workshops at the event include training on resisting evictions, organizing against immigration enforcement, and fighting incarceration. Attendees will also join political education sessions, interactive labs, and cultural celebrations. These celebrations feature performances by groups like Tank and the Bangas, plus art exhibitions.
Angela Davis Reflects on Feminism and Inclusion of Black Women
Angela Davis has been a strong voice on how Black women have often been left out of mainstream feminist movements. She said in a 2019 interview, “Even when I myself refused to identify with feminism, I realized that it was a certain kind of feminism. It was a feminism of those women who weren’t really concerned with equality for all women.”
Her work in racial justice, prison abolition, and Black feminist thought makes her a powerful figure for the event. Her presence inspires attendees to continue fighting for equality and justice.
Event Features Honorees, Art, and Learning Labs
The event honors important Black feminist changemakers like Billy Avery, Ericka Huggins, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs. Programs are guided by three main workshop tracks: Joyful Connection, Skill Building, and Consciousness Building.
Attendees also enjoy a film festival called Scenes of Solidarity, the Irresistible Revolution art gallery, and the Skill Up, Fight Back Liberation Learning Lab. The weekend ends with the North Star Gala, a ceremony celebrating Black feminist leaders.
Black Feminism as a Movement to End Patriarchy
Paris Hatcher explained that Black feminism is not about rejecting men. She said, “It’s a rejection of patriarchy. Black men must be part of this struggle because patriarchy harms them too.” She added that Black feminist liberation strengthens individuals, families, and entire communities.
The gathering shows how Black feminism continues to build power and unity. It empowers people to create change in their lives and society.
