My name is DeJuana Thompson and I am honored to share in this most weighty moment.

You just heard

from our esteem elder, the Honorable Houston Brown. He stood to address our community and I now
stand to directly address our shero. This is in an excerpt from an open letter, drafted by several voices and
organizations in our community.

Our Dearest Angela,

The notion of maintaining dignity in the face of violence is central to the Black Freedom Struggle. By
your example, we will maintain our dignity in the face of violence and indignation at the hands of those
working to silence us and all others committed to justice and liberation for vulnerable people across the
globe.

We want you to know that Birmingham stands with you. Dr. Davis, we will not allow any denial of your
life, legacy, and impact around global human rights to persist because we love you, honor you, and will
fight for you.

Leaders​ such as Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, whose house was bombed by racists and who sustained
extensive injuries from white supremacists while attempting to enroll his children in segregated schools,
would be proud of your life and legacy, Dr. Davis.

You embody the spirit, values, and selfless sacrifice of your ancestors and elders. Your work in prison
abolition, cis and trans women's rights, labor rights, Black liberation, the anti-war movement, LGBTQ+
rights, and fighting global injustices are all emblematic of comprehensive, clear, and nuanced agendas to
end suffering, marginalization, and oppression around the world.

Only intersectional organizing can accomplish these goals.

Dr. Davis, you understand this deeply. When folks ask how a little Black girl from Birmingham, Alabama
became one of the most prominent human rights icons, we must make clear that she put her career,
freedom, and life on the line for the liberation of all marginalized and oppressed people.

Surely, your life is a testament to non-violent reconciliation, courage in the face of great odds, humility,
leadership by example, and a commitment to human rights. These are the wqualities that the Fred
Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award bolster and these are the qualities that you embody.

Any mischaracterization of your work is grounded in anti-Black misogynoir by way of white supremacy,
patriarchy, and woeful ignorance.

Dr. Davis, we are grateful for your sacrifice, humbled by your steadfastness, and inspired by your
unrelenting will to fight for the freedoms of all people. Please accept this open letter of love and light
from the citizens of Birmingham who stand with you.

Yours in Justice,

Friends of Angela Y. Davis

-