Free Angela and All Political Prisoners

Years ago when I worked for the phone company I had a repair ticket for Angela Davis. I remember seeing the name and thinking, "That sounds familiar." I remember the light-skinned Black woman with natural hair and a big dog (a lab or something, I only remember because I was afraid of dogs). I only had a faint idea who she was. I was young and very uninformed back then.

Of course, now I know why I even had a faint idea who she was and "Free Angela" goes into that why. This documentary hones in on Angela Davis's pursuit, arrest, and trial regarding the Jonathan Jackson failed breakout attempt of his brother George Jackson. That melee left a judge and two hostage takers dead with a couple of others wounded. Because a gun or two were purchased by Angela Davis AND she was an open communist, she was wrangled into that quagmire. She even had the dubious distinction of being on the FBI's ten most wanted list. She may have even been the first woman ever on it.

"Free Angela" is an informative walk through a tumultuous time in U. S. history. A lot was happening in the late 60's and with so much going on some things get missed or overlooked. "Free Angela" was an ICYMI (in case you missed it).

This is a documentary, but in no way dry or boring. An educated civil rights activist, Angela was arrested and kept in solitary confinement (as so many political prisoners were during the civil rights movement) awaiting trial for murder and conspiracy.

There is excellent footage and well edited interviews with family, lawyers, FBI agents and Angela herself. Angela comes across as an excellent speaker; controlled and factual, and it is no surprise she garnered so much support. The finale is well presented and the film is gripping from start to end. During the time of the civil rights movement in the US, it paints sufficient backdrop to understand the environment in which she was living, but the focus is definitely on her story and her trial.

This film will become an important contribution to material on the civil rights struggle in the US, whilst being easy and accessible to everyone. The personality of the people being interviewed shines through, and throughout a lot of the film I found it both emotional and uplifting. Angela personifies the intellectual struggle to change America.

Thanks to Jada Pinkett Smith, Sidra Smith and their staff for this information and fact-filled story. Free Angela & All Political Prisoners fills in all the blanks you might have had about Angela's journey. For those who know nothing about who Angela Davis is and what she's been through, let the awakening begin! Grab your social calendars and add Free Angela now...check for dates and times; as it is only showing in selected cities nationwide as of April 5th. I saw a premiere in Miami at the Women's International Film Festival 2013, and found myself chanting "Free Angela" right along with the movie! You've gotta see this...just do it!(I gave it a 9 out of 10 because the only thing missing is more cities showing it!)

Shola Lynch is constant as the northern star and on point in her telling of the Story of Angela Davis. While primarily perceived as a symbol of "Black Power", her rally-cry of Power to the People revealed her true allegiance to the communist party. The film is a wonderful journey through the "way-back machine" for a bird's eye view of the climate of that time. The winds of change were fresh and palpable. Compared to today, what we see now seems cliché and stale due to cooptation, redirection, subversion and self dealing. I had greater confidence in the so called justice system at the time of Angela's trial, before the proverbial new Jim Crow Esq. I would like to see this film widely distributed! Free Angela Davis and all Political Prisoners gets my STAMP! of approval.

I laughed, cried and cheered in THAT order at this film...Brilliant!!! What a wonderful and accurate story that needed to be told accurately. I was at the premiere and sat right in front of Common who was next to Ms. Davis' sister and family. To listen to their raw emotion was priceless. I went to go see it 2 additional times after-wards and I cannot wait to add this film to my very small DVD collection. I don't buy movies...this one will be in my collection. I recall leaving the film and hearing someone say "damn, I am just not doing enough in my life"...for the record, that woman does plenty; but what Ms. Davis went thru...baby! This is a must see.

Thank you Sidra, Shoyla and Jada for birthing this baby!