Angela Davis to Headline Art & Activism 2025 at N.C. A&T

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Oct. 13, 2025) – Longtime activist, scholar and author Angela Y. Davis will speak at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University this Wednesday, Oct. 15, as part of the university’s Lyceum Series and its Art & Activism 2025 initiative.

The event is being hosted by the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and is set for 10:30 a.m. in Harrison Auditorium, 1009 Bluford St., on the North Carolina A&T campus.

Davis, professor emerita of history of consciousness and feminist studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz, has written extensively on race, gender, class, and justice. Her books include, “Angela Davis: An Autobiography,” “Freedom Is a Constant Struggle,” “Abolition.Feminism.Now.” (with Gina Dent, Erica Meiners, and Beth Richie), and “Abolition: Politics, Practices, Promises, Vol. 1.”

She is a founding member of Critical Resistance, an organization focused on dismantling the prison industrial complex, and is affiliated internationally with Sisters Inside, an abolitionist organization based in Queensland, Australia.

“We are delighted to be graced with the presence of such an iconic figure in American history, especially during our current times,” said Jonovan Cooper, DMA, N.C. A&T assistant professor and Lyceum committee chair. “Her visit serves as a timely reminder of the power of art and activism, highlighting the responsibility of artists to participate in the struggle for humanity and help shape a more just society.”

Davis will lead a moderated panel discussion featuring professors, artists and activists, including CEO/owner of Life Enhancement Services and philanthropist Herb Gray; artist and visual arts adjunct professor Jessica Kelly; Shaba Om of Harlem New York 21 and the Black Panther Party; painter Joseph Pearson; Associate Professor of Visual Art and founder of the Ellington-White Community Development Corporation Dwight Smith; and Composition and Hip Hop lecturer bryon d. turman.

Later that evening, CAHSS’ Visual Arts program will host “Ukombozi: The Intersection of Art, Activism, and Wellness” in the University Galleries. The event honors Davis and Afro-Indigenous activists across the globe whose courage, wisdom, and resistance continue to shape movements for justice and liberation.

Art & Activism 2025 brings distinguished voices and cultural performances to campus. Past headliners have included Sheila E. and The E. Family, the Russian National Ballet Theatre, Mary Mary, the Chinese Golden Acrobats, Tami Lee Hughes and Kirk Whalum.

Tickets for Art & Activism 2025 are $15 for the general public and free for students, available at the University Ticket Office (Brown Hall) and online. For more information, contact Jessica Kelly at jckelly1@ncat.edu.

Please note: The university’s Clear Bag Policy will be enforced. Be sure to bring an approved clear bag for any personal items. Bag(s) must be 12” x 6” x 12” or smaller, and made of clear plastic, vinyl or PVC. Non-approved bags are not permitted.