I read Freedom Is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement by Angela Y Davis a few years ago and, and thought given what is currently taking place in the world, you guys may also want to read it.

“If indeed all lives mattered, we would not need to emphatically proclaim that “Black Lives Matter.” Or, as we discover on the BLM website: Black Women Matter, Black Girls Matter, Black Gay Lives Matter, Black Bi Lives Matter, Black Boys Matter, Black Queer Lives Matter, Black Men Matter, Black Lesbians Matter, Black Trans Lives Matter, Black Immigrants Matter, Black Incarcerated Lives Matter. Black Differently Abled Lives Matter. Yes, Black Lives Matter, Latino/Asian American/Native American/Muslim/Poor and Working-Class White Peoples Lives matter. There are many more specific instances, we would have to name before we can ethically and comfortably claim that All Lives Matter.”

Angela Y Davis, Freedom is a Constant Struggle

The book is a collection of essays looking at state violence and oppression around the world, including apartheid South Africa, Palestine, the Black Liberation Movement and Ferguson.

At the time of reading Freedom is a Constant Struggle back in 2017, I felt it was thought provoking and definitely something that would spark debate. It also provides the reader with the necessary vocabulary needed when discussing these important topics. The reason I felt it was important to put the spotlight on this book is that Twitter over the past few weeks has been asking why those who claim Black Lives Matter haven’t mentioned anything about Palestine. The fact one of the world’s most recognisable activists and leading voices in discussions about the Black struggle wrote this book a few years ago – and has spoken about Palestine for a number of years, not just 2021. She has highlighted the intersectionality of struggles and as is often stated one can walk and chew gum at the same time.

In addition, I thought it would also inspire me to read more about some of the themes she raised, namely  racism, activism, feminism and state violence

Check it out today!