Mohamed Ali
Category: 2023 College Winner

Mohamed Ali

One Black American individual who has inspired change in my life is Angela Davis. Angela Davis is an academic, activist, and author who has dedicated her life to fighting for social justice, particularly in the areas of race, gender, and class. Her work has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of systemic oppression and the ways in which it manifests in our society.

One of the most impactful contributions that Angela Davis has made to my life is her advocacy for prison abolition. Prior to reading her work, I had never really considered the idea that prisons could be abolished or that there were viable alternatives to incarceration. However, through her writing and speeches, Davis has made a compelling case for why we need to rethink our criminal justice system and move away from punishment and towards rehabilitation and restorative justice. She has helped me to understand that our current system is not only ineffective at reducing crime, but it also perpetuates racial and economic inequality.

In addition to her work on prison abolition, Angela Davis has also been a powerful voice for Black feminism. Her book “Women, Race, and Class” is a seminal text in the field and has helped me to understand the intersectional nature of oppression. Davis has shown me that we cannot fight against racism without also fighting against sexism and other forms of discrimination. Her work has helped me to become a more intersectional feminist and to recognize the ways in which my own privilege can blind me to the experiences of others.

Finally, Angela Davis has been an inspiration to me through her lifelong commitment to activism. Despite facing persecution and threats to her own safety, she has never wavered in her dedication to fighting for social justice. Her courage and resilience have taught me that we must never give up in the face of adversity and that true change requires persistence and determination.

Overall, Angela Davis has been a powerful force for change in my life. Her work has challenged me to think critically about the world around me and has inspired me to become more involved in activism and advocacy. Through her advocacy for prison abolition, Black feminism, and social justice more broadly, she has shown me that we have the power to create a more just and equitable society. I am grateful for her contributions to the world and will continue to be inspired by her example for years to come.