To: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
We stand with Dr. Angela Davis
We’re dismayed to learned Birmingham Civil Rights Institute has revoked an award to civil rights leader Angela Davis over her support for the dignity and human rights for the people of Palestine. We stand with Dr. Davis in her clear leadership as a civil rights icon and her right to support Palestinian human rights.
Why is this important?
Dr. Angela Davis' record speaks for itself. She is a renown leader of the civil rights movement, including being part of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).
This is why it should've come as no surprise that Dr. Davis was chosen to be honored for a human rights award by the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) in October.
But earlier this month, BCRI decided to revoke its award from Dr. Davis by releasing a statement that read, "Upon closer examination of Ms. Davis’ statements and public record, we concluded that she unfortunately does not meet all of the criteria on which the award is based." [1]
Although BCRI never stated which "criteria" Dr. Davis did not meet for the award, the move came after the Southern Jewish Life magazine spoke critically about BCRI awarding Dr. Davis and her support for Palestinian human rights.
As Dr. Davis prepares to attend an alternative event in February, it's important to stand in solidarity and show support for her as a leader, a visionary, and a human rights advocate.
Source:
1. "Why a Revoked Civil Rights Award for Angela Davis Is Causing an Uproar in Alabama," Slate, January 8, 2019
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2019/01/angela-davis-birmingham-alabama-award-civil-rights-bds.html
This is why it should've come as no surprise that Dr. Davis was chosen to be honored for a human rights award by the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) in October.
But earlier this month, BCRI decided to revoke its award from Dr. Davis by releasing a statement that read, "Upon closer examination of Ms. Davis’ statements and public record, we concluded that she unfortunately does not meet all of the criteria on which the award is based." [1]
Although BCRI never stated which "criteria" Dr. Davis did not meet for the award, the move came after the Southern Jewish Life magazine spoke critically about BCRI awarding Dr. Davis and her support for Palestinian human rights.
As Dr. Davis prepares to attend an alternative event in February, it's important to stand in solidarity and show support for her as a leader, a visionary, and a human rights advocate.
Source:
1. "Why a Revoked Civil Rights Award for Angela Davis Is Causing an Uproar in Alabama," Slate, January 8, 2019
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2019/01/angela-davis-birmingham-alabama-award-civil-rights-bds.html