Legendary activist Angela Davis will deliver the keynote address at the largest Black feminist gathering in U.S. history. The three-day “Get Free: A Black Feminist Reunion” began June 5th in New Orleans. More than 500 attendees are expected at the national convening organized by Black Feminist Future.
The event runs through June 7th and focuses on movement building and advocacy training. Political education and healing are also central themes. Davis, known for her work in racial justice and prison abolition, brings decades of Black feminist scholarship to the gathering.
Black Feminist Future Organizes Historic Gathering in New Orleans
Black Feminist Future organized this groundbreaking event to build power within communities. Executive Director Paris Hatcher emphasized the gathering’s serious purpose. “This is not just a conference to dress up and have a good time,” Hatcher told The Washington Informer.
The organization aims to address conditions that threaten Black women’s lives. These include policing, reproductive injustice, and economic inequality. Hatcher stressed that attendees are working to create real change in their communities.
The gathering continues a legacy of radical Black feminist organizing. This tradition dates back to the 1973 National Black Women’s Organization conference. The “Get Free” theme reflects this historical connection to liberation movements.
Angela Davis Brings Decades of Activism to Keynote Address
Davis has long highlighted how mainstream feminism excluded Black women. In a 2019 interview with the National Museum of African American History and Culture, she reflected on her early feminist views. “Even when I myself refused to identify with feminism, I realized that it was a certain kind of feminism,” Davis said.
She explained that this feminism belonged to “women who weren’t really concerned with equality for all women.” Davis has spent her career advocating for an inclusive feminist movement. Her keynote address will likely address these ongoing challenges.
The scholar and author brings unique perspectives on intersectional struggles. Her work spans prison abolition, racial justice, and Black feminist thought. Davis remains one of the most influential voices in contemporary activism.
Workshop Training Focuses on Community Organizing and Resistance
Workshop sessions will train attendees in practical organizing skills. These include resisting evictions and organizing against immigration enforcement. Participants will also learn strategies for challenging mass incarceration.
Political education sessions complement the hands-on training workshops. Interactive labs provide opportunities for skill development and networking. The programming follows three core tracks: Joyful Connection, Skill Building, and Consciousness Building.
Cultural celebration balances the intensive educational programming. Performances by Tank and the Bangas will entertain attendees. Visual art exhibitions will showcase Black feminist creativity and expression.
Honorees and Special Programming Celebrate Black Feminist Legacy
The 2025 gathering will honor three prominent Black feminist leaders. Billy Avery, Ericka Huggins, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs receive recognition for their contributions. These honorees represent different generations of Black feminist activism.
Special programming includes the “Scenes of Solidarity” film festival. The “Irresistible Revolution” art gallery showcases visual works. The “Skill Up, Fight Back” Liberation Learning Lab provides additional educational opportunities.
The weekend concludes with the North Star Gala celebration. This formal event honors Black feminist changemakers and their work. The gala serves as both celebration and fundraising opportunity for future organizing.
Black Feminism Addresses Patriarchy While Supporting Community Liberation
Hatcher clarified misconceptions about Black feminist goals and values. “Black feminism is not a rejection of men,” she explained to The Washington Informer. “It’s a rejection of patriarchy.”
She emphasized that Black men must participate in anti-patriarchy struggles. Patriarchy harms men as well as women in Black communities. This inclusive approach strengthens the movement’s potential impact.
Black feminist liberation benefits entire families and communities, according to Hatcher. Individual empowerment creates ripple effects throughout social networks. Strong communities emerge when all members can thrive without oppressive systems.
